HB271 Alabama 2022 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Merika ColemanSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2022
Title: Citizens arrest, criminal procedure, Sec. 15-10-7 repealed.
Summary: HB271 repeals Alabama's citizen's arrest law, removing the authority for private persons to arrest others.
What This Bill Does
The bill repeals Section 15-10-7, which currently allows private individuals to conduct citizen's arrests for certain offenses. If enacted, private arrests under Alabama law would no longer be authorized. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed and signed by the Governor (or when it otherwise becomes law).

Who It Affects
Private individuals who might otherwise try to arrest someone; they would no longer have statutory authority to do so.
Law enforcement and the broader criminal justice system, which would handle arrests through official channels rather than private citizen arrests.

Key Provisions
Repeal of Section 15-10-7, Code of Alabama 1975, regarding arrests by private persons.
Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or once it becomes law by other means.

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

Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Judiciary