SB90 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

April WeaverSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Assault in the second degree, physical injury to employee of Dept. of Human Resouces or social worker, included in offense, Sec. 13A-6-21 am'd.

Summary

SB90 broadens second-degree assault to cover more victim groups (like teachers, health care workers, and public safety personnel) and makes such assaults a Class C felony.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds new ways to commit second-degree assault, including harming peace officers, detention/correctional officers, emergency medical personnel, utility workers, firefighters, teachers, health care workers, and DHR social workers while performing their duties. It also covers assaults involving drugging someone to cause harm. Assault in the second degree stays a Class C felony and the bill becomes law on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Group 1: Offenders who commit assaults against the newly protected groups (e.g., peace officers, teachers, health care workers, DHR/social workers, utility workers, firefighters) would be charged under second-degree assault (Class C felony).
• Group 2: Public workers listed in the bill (peace officers, detention/correction officers, emergency medical personnel, utility workers, teachers, health care workers, and DHR social workers) as protected victims who could face enhanced penalties if assaulted in the course of duty.

Key Provisions

• Adds new subsections (4)-(8) to 13A-6-21(a) defining additional acts that qualify as second-degree assault.
• Subsection (4) covers assault to prevent a peace officer, detention/correctional officer, emergency medical personnel, utility worker, or firefighter from performing duties.
• Subsection (5) covers assault on a teacher or public educational institution employee during or as a result of duties.
• Subsection (6) covers assault on health care workers and related staff in hospitals, health departments, long-term care facilities, or medical offices (including home health care workers in private residences).
• Subsection (7) covers crimes involving administering drugs to incapacitate someone for harm (stupor, unconsciousness, etc.).
• Subsection (8) covers assault on a Department of Human Resources employee or a social worker during or as a result of duty.
• Clarifies that assault in the second degree remains a Class C felony.
• Defines 'utility worker' for purposes of the statute.
• Provides an exemption from local funding requirements under Amendment 621 because the bill creates or amends a crime.
• Sets the act to take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses