HB265 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joe LovvornRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Crimes and offenses, resisting arrest further provided for, enhanced penalties provided for in certain circumstances

Summary

HB265 would raise the penalties for resisting arrest and add tougher penalties when a weapon is used or injuries occur, with a new effective date of October 1, 2025.

What This Bill Does

It raises the base penalty for resisting arrest from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor. It creates a Class C felony level if, during the act, the person brandishes a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or if the resistance causes physical injury. It creates a Class B felony level if the person uses or attempts to use a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or if the resistance causes serious physical injury. It becomes effective on October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• People who resist arrest (defendants) – would face higher penalties under the bill, starting at a more serious misdemeanor and potentially moving to felonies depending on actions and injuries.
• Peace officers and other people present during arrests (and potential victims) – could face greater safety risks and be affected by the strengthened penalties if weapons are used or injuries result.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-10-41 to raise the base penalty for resisting arrest from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor.
• Adds a Class C felony penalty for brandishing a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or for causing physical injury during resisting arrest.
• Adds a Class B felony penalty for using or attempting to use a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or for causing serious physical injury during resisting arrest.
• Establishes the act's effective date as 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