Senate Bill 142 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Will BarfootSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

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

Summary

SB142 would expand reckless endangerment penalties in Alabama by making it harsher when multiple people are endangered and by increasing penalties if a firearm or other deadly weapon is used, with changes taking effect October 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

It maintains the current rule for endangering a single person as a Class A misdemeanor. It increases penalties for endangering multiple people to a Class C felony, and to a Class B felony if a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is used during the offense. It also adds heightened penalties for the use of a firearm during the commission of the offense. The changes take effect October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• People who recklessly endanger a single person would remain facing a Class A misdemeanor.
• People who recklessly endanger multiple people would face a Class C felony, or a Class B felony if a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is used.

Key Provisions

• Expands reckless endangerment to cover endangering multiple people.
• Class A misdemeanor for single-victim endangerment; Class C felony for multi-victim endangerment; Class B felony if a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is used.
• Adds heightened penalties for use of a firearm during the offense.
• Effective date: 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