HB230 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matt SimpsonRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to crimes and offenses; to add Section 13A-6-30 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to create the crime of chemical endangerment of a first responder, to provide for an exception, and establish penalties for violations; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

Summary

HB230 creates the crime of chemical endangerment of a first responder, with escalating felonies based on injury or death, and defines who qualifies as a first responder.

What This Bill Does

It adds a new crime under Section 13A-6-30 that makes it illegal to knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally expose a first responder (including coroners and deputy coroners) to a Schedule I substance, a chemical substance, or a mixture while performing duties. It expands the definition of serious physical injury to include exposure to fentanyl and related substances. Penalties are Class C felony for physical injury, Class B felony for serious physical injury, and Class A felony if the first responder dies. The act is exempt from the constitutional local expenditure rule because it creates a new crime, so it does not require a 2/3 vote or local funding approval.

Who It Affects

• First responders (including coroners and deputy coroners) who may be endangered by exposure to dangerous substances while performing duties.
• Potential offenders who would be charged with this crime for exposing first responders to fentanyl or other controlled/chemical substances.

Key Provisions

• Creates new crime 13A-6-30: chemical endangerment of a first responder.
• Defines exposure to Schedule I substances or chemical substances (or mixtures) while performing duties as the offense.
• Includes fentanyl and related substances in the expanded definition of 'serious physical injury'.
• Sets penalties: Class C felony (physical injury), Class B felony (serious physical injury), Class A felony (death).
• Defines that first responders include those in 11-98-1 and includes coroners/deputy coroners.
• Exempts the bill from Section 111.05 local expenditure requirements because it defines a new crime.
• Effective date: first day of the third month after passage.

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, to create the crime of chemical endangerment of a first responder and provide for penalties