Senate Bill 48 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Law enforcement; four-point restraint, use prohibited

Summary

SB48 would prohibit law enforcement from using four-point restraints (hog-ties) and from placing individuals face-down in ways that restrict breathing or blood flow to the head or neck, and would require agencies to adopt policies against such practices.

What This Bill Does

It would ban law enforcement officers from using a four-point restraint to detain, restrain, or transport any individual, and from placing someone in a face-down position that restricts oxygen or blood flow to the head or neck. It would require every law enforcement agency to include a prohibition against the four-point restraint in its policies and procedures. Violations of the ban would be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. The act would take effect on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Law enforcement officers: prohibited from using four-point restraints or dangerous face-down holds, with potential criminal penalties for violations.
• Individuals encountered by law enforcement (the public): increased safety from restraint practices due to mandatory agency policies and the ban on four-point restraints.

Key Provisions

• Defines four-point restraint as restraining a person face-down by tying or attaching their hands and legs behind their back.
• Prohibits use of four-point restraint by law enforcement officers to detain, restrain, or transport anyone.
• Prohibits placing any individual in a face-down position that restricts oxygen or blood flow to the head or neck.
• Requires law enforcement agencies to adopt policies and procedures prohibiting the use of four-point restraints in their standards and training.
• Establishes Class A misdemeanor penalties for violations.
• 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