SB20 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Crimes and offenses, use of taser on restrained individual prohibited; criminal penalties provided for

Summary

This bill would make it illegal for a law enforcement officer to use a taser on a restrained person and would impose criminal penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

It defines taser as any device that emits a charge or shock to temporarily incapacitate a person. It prohibits law enforcement officers from using a taser on individuals who are restrained or otherwise unable to resist, including those in handcuffs, body cuffs, or other restraints. Violating this prohibition would be a Class C felony. The act becomes effective on October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Law enforcement officers would be prohibited from using tasers on restrained or unable-to-resist individuals and could face criminal penalties for violations.
• Individuals who are restrained (for example, in handcuffs or other restraints) would be protected from taser use by officers.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'taser' as any device designed to emit or project a charge or shock to temporarily incapacitate a person.
• Prohibits use of a taser by law enforcement on a restrained or unable-to-resist individual, including those in handcuffs, body cuffs, or other restraints, with a Notwithstanding clause affecting related statutes.
• Violations would be classified as a Class C felony.
• The act becomes effective on 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