HB272 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ginny ShaverRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to crimes and offenses; to amend Section 13A-10-52, Code of Alabama 1975, to revise the criminal penalties for violations of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement; 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

HB272 tightens penalties for fleeing or eluding police and clarifies license suspension, while noting it is exempt from local-funding requirements.

What This Bill Does

HB272 amends Section 13A-10-52 to make fleeing or eluding a law enforcement officer unlawful after signals to stop. It creates a tiered penalty system: generally a Class A misdemeanor, but with Class C felonies for causing death or physical injury to bystanders or crossing into another state, and Class B felonies for serious injury or death or for speeding more than 20 mph over the limit. It also requires the court to suspend the offender's driver's license for six months to two years upon conviction. The bill includes a safe-stop exception and is exempt from local-funding requirements under Section 111.05 due to defined exceptions.

Who It Affects

• Drivers who flee or elude law enforcement would face higher charges (up to Class B or Class C felonies) and possible license suspension.
• Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and the general public, who could be affected by stricter enforcement and penalties when chases involve injury, death, or crossing state lines.

Key Provisions

• Amends 13A-10-52 to make fleeing or eluding after being signaled unlawful.
• Penalty structure: Class A misdemeanor baseline; Class C felony if death or injury to bystanders occurs or if crossing into another state; Class B felony for serious injury or death or exceeding 20 mph over the limit.
• Driver's license must be suspended for 6 months to 2 years upon conviction.
• Provides a safe-stop exception: continuing at or below the speed limit toward the nearest safe place is not a violation.
• Excludes the bill from local-funding requirements under Section 111.05 because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
• Effective date: first day of the third month after passage/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, to further provide for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, to revise the criminal penalties