Senate Bill 114 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 17, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Lance BellSenator
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Criminal procedure; out-of-state warrants, arrest authorized for crime punishable by more than one year, arrest by out-of-state officers authorized
Summary: SB114 broadens warrantless arrest rules for felonies charged in other states and lets out-of-state officers arrest in Alabama during fresh pursuit for a felony, with court review.
What This Bill Does
Amends Section 15-9-41 to let an officer or private citizen arrest without a warrant if there is reasonable information that the person stands charged in another state with a felony, including crimes punishable by death or life, crimes punished by more than one year, or any other felony. Adds Section 15-9-50 to authorize out-of-state law enforcement officers to arrest someone in Alabama at the end of fresh pursuit for a felony believed to have been committed in the officer's home state. After such an arrest, the person must be brought before a district or circuit judge for a prompt hearing to determine whether the arrest was lawful; if lawful, custody or bail may be set pending extradition. If the arrest is not lawful, the person must be discharged; the act becomes effective immediately.

Who It Affects
Individuals in Alabama who have been charged in another state with a felony could be arrested without a warrant if there is reasonable information, and must receive a prompt court hearing to determine legality.
Out-of-state law enforcement officers engaged in fresh pursuit for a felony in their state can arrest the suspect in Alabama, subject to a judge’s review and subsequent custody/bail or discharge.

Key Provisions
Provision modifying 15-9-41: allows warrantless arrest by an officer or private citizen when there is reasonable information that the person stands charged in another state with a felony (including capital offenses, felonies punishable by more than one year, or any other felony), with an oath-based complaint and a prompt hearing.
Provision adding 15-9-50: authorizes out-of-state officers to arrest in Alabama during fresh pursuit for a felony, provides definitions for key terms, requires a judge’s hearing to determine lawfulness, and outlines custody/bail or discharge if lawful or unlawful; effective immediately.

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