22-03-2025
Harassing Alabama officers could result in jail time
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) — Anyone harassing or threatening an officer after being asked to the leave the scene of a crime could be jailed and face a fine if a new bill becomes law in the yellowhammer state.
If passed, House Bill 224 would prohibit anyone from threatening or harassing first responders after being asked to back away or leave. They would also not be allowed to remain between 25-100 feet from a response scene if they are ordered to leave.
Those violating the law could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which carries up to a year in prison and a $6,000 fine.
The bill defines harassment as 'a course of conduct with the intent to cause substantial emotional distress and which serves no legitimate purpose.'
Opponents to the new bill have said the language is too broad and could be left to the discretion of the responding officer.
Robert Corn-Revere, chief counsel for Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), told the Alabama Reflector on Tuesday that the terms look 'unconstitutional' and the language offers wide latitude for police to charge people.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Morris, says it it meant to protect first responders. Morris is a retired assistant police chief from Birmingham.
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