House Bill 266 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris SellsRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Crimes and offenses; crime of reckless endangerment expanded, criminal penalties provided

Summary

HB266 would expand reckless endangerment penalties in Alabama, adding harsher penalties when the conduct risks serious injury to multiple people and when a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is used.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 13A-6-24 to add a higher-penalty tier for reckless endangerment that threatens multiple people. If the risk is to a single person, the offense remains a Class A misdemeanor. If the risk is to multiple people, it becomes a Class C felony, unless a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is used, in which case it becomes a Class B felony. The new penalties take effect on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Individuals whose reckless conduct endangers a single person (potentially charged as Class A misdemeanor).
• Individuals whose reckless conduct endangers multiple people (potentially charged as Class C felony, or Class B felony if a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is used).

Key Provisions

• Amends 13A-6-24 to create two levels of reckless endangerment: (a)(1) risk to one person; (a)(2) risk to multiple people.
• Penalties: (a)(1) is a Class A misdemeanor; (a)(2) is a Class C felony, but becomes a Class B felony if a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is used.
• Adds heightened penalties for using a firearm or other deadly weapon/dangerous instrument during the offense (as part of the (a)(2) provision).
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 27, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes & Offenses