House Bill 420 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mack N. ButlerRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Crimes and offenses; discharging a firearm into an occupied school bus or building, penalty increased

Summary

HB420 would raise the penalty for discharging a firearm into an occupied school bus or building to a Class A felony, and adjust penalties for other gun discharges on school property, with an effective date of October 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

The bill makes it a Class A felony to shoot or discharge a firearm into an occupied school bus or occupied school building, increasing the penalty from Class B. If the firearm is discharged into an unoccupied school bus or building, the penalty is a Class C felony. Discharging a firearm on school property is punished as a Class B felony during school hours or during school activities after hours, and as a Class C felony at other times. Exemptions include justified use of force, organized competitions or sanctioned events, and a provision that anyone under 19 is not in violation; the act becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• People who discharge a firearm into an occupied school bus or occupied school building would face a higher penalty (Class A felony).
• People who discharge a firearm on school property (not into an occupied bus or building) would face penalties based on timing (Class B during school hours or activities after hours; Class C otherwise) and are subject to certain exemptions (justified force, sanctioned events, under-19 protection).

Key Provisions

• Penalty for discharging into an occupied school bus or building increased to Class A felony (from Class B).
• Penalty for discharging into an unoccupied school bus or building set at Class C felony.
• Discharging on school property during school hours or school activities after hours is Class B felony; otherwise, Class C felony.
• Exemptions for justified use of physical force, organized competition or sanctioned events, and an under-19 exemption; school property definitions with certain land exclusions; more serious penalty applies when multiple laws apply.
• Effective date of October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes & Offenses