SB16 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Law enforcement, prohibits use of four-point restraint

Summary

SB16 would ban the four-point restraint (hog-tie) by law enforcement, require agencies to adopt policies against it, and impose penalties for violations beginning October 1, 2025.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits law enforcement officers from using the four-point restraint to detain, restrain, or transport any individual. It also prohibits placing any individual in a face-down position that restricts oxygen or blood flow to the head or neck. It requires each law enforcement agency to include a prohibition against the four-point restraint in its policies and procedures. Violations would be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. The act becomes effective October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Law enforcement officers: prohibited from using the four-point restraint and from placing someone in a dangerous face-down position; must follow new agency policies; may face Class A misdemeanor penalties for violations.
• Law enforcement agencies: must adopt and enforce policies prohibiting the four-point restraint in their procedures and training.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits law enforcement officers from using the four-point restraint to detain, restrain, or transport any individual.
• Prohibits placing any individual in a face-down position that restricts oxygen or blood flow to the head or neck.
• Requires law enforcement agencies to include a prohibition against the four-point restraint in their existing policies and procedures.
• Defines four-point restraint as restraining an individual face-down by connecting or fastening hands and legs behind the individual's back.
• Violations of these prohibitions are Class A misdemeanors.
• 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

Criminal Procedure