SB26 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to criminal procedure; to repeal Section 15-10-7, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to arrests by private persons.

Summary

This bill repeals the law that allows private citizens to make citizen's arrests.

What This Bill Does

If passed, SB26 would eliminate the statute that authorizes private persons to arrest others for certain public offenses. As a result, private individuals would no longer have a legal basis to conduct citizen's arrests; arrests would need to be handled through standard law enforcement procedures. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the governor.

Who It Affects

• Private citizens who could previously perform citizen's arrests would lose this authority.
• Law enforcement and public safety agencies would take over arrests and investigations, rather than private individuals, once the law takes effect.

Key Provisions

• Repeals Section 15-10-7, Code of Alabama 1975, which authorizes arrests by private persons.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its 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

Criminal Procedure, repealed authorization for citizen's arrest