SB17 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Crimes and offenses; unlawful use of tasers by law enforcement; penalties provided for

Summary

SB17 would prohibit law enforcement officers from using a taser on a restrained person, impose criminal penalties for violations, and take effect October 1, 2024.

What This Bill Does

It defines what a taser is and bans its use on individuals who are restrained or unable to resist, including those in handcuffs. A violation would be charged as a Class C felony. The bill also states it is exempt from the local funding expenditure rules in Section 111.05 because it creates or amends a crime, and it becomes effective on October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Law enforcement officers: would be prohibited from using a taser on restrained individuals and could face Class C felony penalties for violations.
• Individuals who are restrained (e.g., handcuffed or otherwise restrained): would be protected from taser use in those situations.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'taser' as any mechanism designed to emit or project an electronic, magnetic, or other type of charge or shock to temporarily incapacitate a person.
• Prohibits a law enforcement officer from using a taser on a restrained or otherwise unable to resist individual, including when the person is in handcuffs, body cuffs, or other restraining devices.
• A violation of this section is a Class C felony.
• Section 2 states the bill is excluded from further requirements under Section 111.05 because it defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime.
• Section 3 provides that the act becomes effective October 1, 2024.

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 & Offenses