HB156 Alabama 2025 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Paul W. LeeRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2025 Regular Session
Title: Criminal procedure, out-of-state warrants further provided for
Summary: HB156 would now allow arrest on an out-of-state warrant for any crime that would be a felony in Alabama, or if an officer knows there is such an out-of-state warrant, not just crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment.
What This Bill Does
It lets a police officer or private citizen arrest without a warrant if they have reasonable information that the person is charged in another state with a crime that would be a felony in Alabama, or if they know there is an out-of-state warrant for a felony or misdemeanor. After arrest, the person must be taken before a district or circuit court judge as soon as possible, and a sworn complaint outlining the grounds for the arrest must be filed. The subsequent proceedings will proceed as if the person had been arrested on a warrant. The change takes effect immediately.

Who It Affects
Law enforcement officers and private citizens in Alabama who may arrest without a warrant under the new conditions.
People in Alabama who are the subject of out-of-state warrants (felonies or misdemeanors) or who would be charged with a crime in Alabama that would be a felony.

Key Provisions
Expands the grounds for arrest without a warrant to any crime that would be a felony in Alabama (not just crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment).
Allows arrest if the officer has actual knowledge of an out-of-state warrant for the individual for a felony or misdemeanor, under that state's laws.
Arrested person must be brought before a district or circuit court judge promptly, with a sworn complaint outlining the arrest grounds.
Proceedings after arrest are conducted as if the person had been arrested on a warrant.
Act becomes effective immediately.

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