House Bill 274 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 17, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Matt SimpsonRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Department of Corrections; mitigation of unmanned aircraft systems authorized, exemptions on prohibition further provided for
Summary: HB274 authorizes Alabama's Department of Corrections to counter drones that violate laws, using measures such as jamming, hacking, physical capture, or other mitigation, with the new authority taking effect June 1, 2026.
What This Bill Does
It adds a new code section empowering the Department of Corrections to take reasonable and necessary actions against unmanned aircraft systems that violate the crimes and offenses laws. It lists allowed methods, including jamming (within federal rules), hacking, physical capture, and other means to neutralize or disrupt the drone. It also states that these powers do not eliminate other immunities or defenses for DOC staff. The act becomes effective June 1, 2026.

Who It Affects
Department of Corrections and its officers, employees, and agents, who are authorized to take measures against drones operating in violation of the law.
Unmanned aircraft operators and other individuals flying drones near Department of Corrections facilities, who may be subject to mitigation actions such as jamming, hacking, or physical capture when in violation.

Key Provisions
Adds new Section 13A-7-94.1 authorizing DOC to take action against unmanned aircraft systems operating in violation of the crimes and offenses article.
Permits measures including jamming (as allowed by federal law and FCC rules), hacking, physical capture, and other reasonable means to neutralize or disrupt the drone.
Declares that this authority does not alter other immunities or defenses available to the Department or its staff by law.
Effective date: June 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 26, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Incarceration