House Bill 509 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shane StringerRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Civil practice; affirmative defenses; limitation of liability for damages sustained for obstructing traffic for the obstruction of vehicle traffic, established

Summary

HB509 creates an affirmative defense in civil cases for damages when the injury or damage was caused by someone who willfully obstructed traffic on a public road, and it allows a stay of the civil case if a related criminal case is pending.

What This Bill Does

If someone sues for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage, the defendant can raise a defense if the harm came from an individual who willfully obstructed traffic on a street, highway, bridge, or road under specified actions. The actions include impeding, hindering, stifling, or restraining traffic or passage; standing on or remaining in the street; or endangering the safe movement of vehicles or pedestrians. If the defense is raised, the court must stay the civil case during the pendency of any criminal action based on the same facts. The law becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Defendants in civil actions for damages who could use the affirmative defense when the injury was caused by someone who willfully obstructed traffic.
• Courts handling such civil actions, which must stay the civil case if a related criminal action is pending.

Key Provisions

• Establishes an affirmative defense in civil actions for damages where the plaintiff's injury, death, or property damage was caused by an individual who willfully obstructed the free use of a public street, highway, bridge, or road by certain acts (impeding, hindering, stifling, or restraining traffic or passage; standing on or remaining in the street; or endangering the safe movement of vehicles or pedestrians).
• If a defendant raises this affirmative defense, the court must stay the civil action during the pendency of any criminal action based on the same facts.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Civil Procedure