26-03-2025
New Alabama bill could land you in jail for protesting outside, near someone's house at night
ALABAMA (WHNT) — This bill, if passed, would require law enforcement to arrest protesters outside/near someone's home if the protest happens at night.
SB247 was re-introduced by Senator Arthur Orr and was read on March 18. Orr has already introduced this bill in Feb. 2024.
The bill, if passed, would prohibit someone from using 'artificial noise makers' to picket or protest 'at or near a residence' of anyone with the intent to 'harass, intimidate or disturb' 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
The bill, however, does not specify what constitutes as 'near' a house, such as how close you can be to a residence.
SB247 defines a residence as 'A building or structure, having a physical address or street number that provides shelter in which an individual resides.'
The bill also said someone cannot block a public road, the entry or exit of a residence, or any place of employment while protesting.
A violation of this is considered a Class C misdemeanor and a second or subsequent violation of this is a Class B misdemeanor.
SB247 states that, before making an arrest, an officer is to tell someone protesting to stop.
'Nothing in this section shall limit a person's freedom of speech or freedom to assemble in any public park or other similar traditional public forum,' the bill said.
You can read the full bill below.
SB247Download
The bill is currently pending action in the Senate Committee on County and Municipal Government.
If passed, the bill said it would go into effect on October 1.
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