HB224 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Allen TreadawayRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Crimes and offenses; obstructing governmental operations, further provided

Summary

HB224 would expand obstructing governmental operations to also criminalize approaching or staying within 100 feet of a first responder after being told to stay away, if you impede, threaten, or harass them, making it a Class A misdemeanor.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds a new scenario to the crime: if someone intentionally approaches or remains within 100 feet of a first responder who is performing a lawful government function after being ordered to not approach or to vacate, and they impede, threaten, or harass that responder. It establishes defined terms such as first responder, government, governmental function, and harassment to apply to this offense. The offense remains a Class A misdemeanor and includes an effective date of October 1, 2025; there is a notable exception that this provision does not apply to obstructing the making of an arrest.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who intentionally approach or stay within 100 feet of a first responder after being ordered to stay away, and who impede, threaten, or harass the responder.
• First responders (including fire department personnel and other public safety workers) who could be impeded, threatened, or harassed while performing their duties.

Key Provisions

• Expands obstruction of governmental operations to include obstructing first responders by approaching or remaining within 100 feet after being ordered to vacate or not to approach, with intent to impede, threaten, or harass.
• Defines key terms (first responder, government, governmental function, government record, harass, peace officer, public servant, etc.) to clarify who is protected and what counts as the offense.
• Maintains the offense as a Class A misdemeanor and clarifies a limited exception for obstruction related to making an arrest.
• Dates the law’s effective date to October 1, 2025.

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