FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS ADVISORY
August 19, 2016
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Alabama Attorney General
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Page 1 of 1
ATTORNEY GENERAL LUTHER STRANGE VOICES SUPPORT FOR ALABAMA HOUSE BILLS
PROTECTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange voiced support for three bills introduced in the
Alabama Legislature during the current special session which provide tougher penalties for crimes
committed against law enforcement officers.
“Law enforcement stand watch against threats and face danger every day in order to keep us safe,” said
Attorney General Strange. “They have our backs and it is important to show them that we have theirs.
“These bills introduced in the Alabama House demonstrate Alabama’s support for our law enforcement
by increasing the penalties for violent crimes committed against them and I urge lawmakers to ensure
they pass.”
The three pro law enforcement bills supported by Attorney General Strange are as follows:
HB 48 – Introduced Rep. Chris Sell
The bill adds two aggravating circumstances (murder where the victim is a law enforcement officer and
murder where the victim is a child under the age of 14) to the list of statutory aggravating circumstances
that make a defendant eligible for the death penalty. The bill adds the language from two existing
capital offenses to make corresponding aggravating circumstances consistent with these capital
offenses.
HB 49 – Introduced Rep. Connie Rowe
The bill provides stiffer penalties for crimes against law enforcement officers and provides for a pay
raise for ALEA officers. It makes the crime of Assault in the Second Degree a Class B felony, when a
person causes a physical injury with the intent of preventing a law enforcement officer from performing
a lawful duty. Currently, Assault in the Second Degree is a Class C felony (Assault in the First Degree is a
Class B felony).
HB 52 – Introduced by Rep. Phillip Pettus
The bill expands the definition of hate crimes to include victims who are employed or perceived as
employed as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical services personnel, or rescue
squad member.
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501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
