HB419 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Reed IngramRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Crimes and Offenses, penalties for eluding or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer further provided for

Summary

HB419 would tighten penalties for eluding law enforcement in Alabama by mandating a minimum 60-day jail term for conviction, a 48-hour hold after arrest, and longer driver’s license suspensions for offenders.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill would require a court to sentence someone convicted of eluding to at least 60 days in confinement and suspend their driver license for 6 months to 2 years. It also creates a 48-hour holding period after arrest for eluding offenses, during which the person cannot be released on bond or bail. Offenses would be classified by severity (Class A misdemeanor base, Class C felony for certain outcomes, Class B felony for serious injuries, death, or excessive speeding), with an exception that continuing at or below the speed limit to reach a safe place is not a violation. The act would take effect on October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Defendants convicted of eluding or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer — face a mandatory minimum 60-day confinement and a driver license suspension lasting between 6 months and 2 years.
• Individuals arrested for eluding or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer — must be held for 48 hours before they can be released, with bond or other release methods unavailable during that period.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-10-52 to require a minimum 60-day confinement for conviction of eluding or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer.
• For convictions, requires a driver license suspension of not less than 6 months and not more than 2 years.
• Adds a 48-hour temporary holding period after arrest for those charged with eluding; no release on bond or bail during this period.
• Classifies offenses as: Class A misdemeanor for base violations, Class C felony for specified outcomes (e.g., collision, injury, crossing state lines), and Class B felony for serious injury or death or if speeding exceeds 20 mph over the limit.
• Maintains an exception allowing travel at or below the speed limit to reach the nearest safe place without it being a violation.
• Effective date: 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