Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill to increase the penalty for eluding an officer to a felony under certain circumstances in Alabama.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a person from intentionally fleeing from a known law enforcement officer attempting to arrest the individual (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an operator of a motor vehicle from attempting to elude a law enforcement vehicle after being signaled to stop (Sec. 1).

• Classifies fleeing from law enforcement in a motor vehicle as a Class D felony and fleeing on foot as a Class A misdemeanor (Sec. 1).

• Increases violations to Class C felonies if the following occurs during the attempt to flee from law enforcement (Sec. 1):

• The offender strikes or collides with another vehicle or pedestrian;

• The offender inflicts injury upon another person;

• The offender crosses state lines;

• A child of 14 years old is present in the vehicle;

• The offender is released on bail, parole or probation; or

• The offender has a previous violation of evading law enforcement.

• Increases violations to Class B felonies if the following occurs during the attempt to flee from law enforcement (Sec. 1):

• The offender causes serious injury or death to another person;

• The offender exceeds 20 miles per hour over the legal maximum speed limit;

• The offender strikes or attempts to strike a law enforcement officer or vehicle operated by a law enforcement officer; or

• The offender has two or more previous violations of evading law enforcement.

• Requires the court to suspend the driver’s license of a violator for at least six months and no more than two years (Sec. 1)

• Requires the court to sentence a second-time offender within a seven year period of time to a minimum of 90 days confinement (Sec.1).

• Requires the court to sentence third-time and subsequent offenders for a minimum of 180 days confinement (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect October 1, 2026 (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text