HB585 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Connie C. Rowe

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Resisting arrest, to amend punishment to Class A misdemeanor, to provide that resisting arrest with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is a Class C felony, Sec. 13A-10-41 am'd.

Summary

HB585 would raise penalties for resisting arrest to a Class A misdemeanor, and to a Class C felony if a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is involved, with a delayed effective date after governor approval.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 13A-10-41 to make resisting arrest a Class A misdemeanor (up from Class B). It also makes resisting arrest with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument a Class C felony. It notes that, although this could affect local funds, the bill is exempt from local-fund approval requirements because it defines or amends a crime, and it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who resist arrest: faces stiffer charges (Class A misdemeanor or Class C felony if a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is used).
• Law enforcement and the justice system: may see more severe charges filed and potentially longer sentences for certain resisting-arrest cases.

Key Provisions

• Amends 13A-10-41 to make resisting arrest a Class A misdemeanor (was Class B).
• Makes resisting arrest with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument a Class C felony (existing framework for deadly weapon use is codified).
• States the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.
• Section 2 clarifies the bill is exempt from Amendment 621 local-fund expenditure requirements because it defines or amends a crime.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resisting Arrest