FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
March 20, 2012
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Suzanne Webb (334) 242-7351
Page 1 of 1
AG ANNOUNCES HOUSE PASSAGE OF ANTI-LOOTING BILL &
LEGISLATION TO PROTECT LAW ENFORCEMENT & ALABAMIANS
FROM SHAM LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange announced that the House
of Representatives today approved his anti-looting bill as well as legislation to protect
law enforcement and Alabamians from sham legal proceedings. Both of these bills are
included in his legislative package.
HB 340 (the anti-looting bill) sponsored by Rep. John Merrill passed the House
102-0. Attorney General Strange advocated this tough law to specifically criminalize
looting and provide strong penalties in the wake of the tragic tornadoes that have
recently devastated Alabama.
“I am pleased that the House has acted to protect Alabamians in times of severe
disaster and crisis,” said Attorney General Strange. “When people are experiencing
destruction of property, serious injuries and perhaps even the loss of loved ones, it has
been appalling to see criminal activity take advantage of a tragedy by looting what may
be left of a business’s inventory or the belongings from someone’s home. It became all
too evident that Alabama needs a stronger law to protect our citizens at just such times
when they are suffering and vulnerable. The law we offer would apply in other times
of emergency such as the hurricanes that frequently strike our Gulf Coast.”
HB 99 which defines a sham legal process and sponsored by Rep. Randy Wood
passed the House 97-0. Attorney General Strange included HB 99 in his legislative
package upon the recommendation of members of law enforcement who had been
intimidated or hindered in the discharge of their duties.
“This issue has been recognized as a major problem in our state that has the
potential to grow to disastrous proportions. We have heard from all sectors of law
enforcement in support of HB 99 and are pleased with today’s vote in the House,” said
Attorney General Strange.
Attorney General Strange commended the outstanding leadership of
Representative John Merrill and Representative Randy Wood in achieving approval by
the House of Representatives and urges members of the Alabama Senate to join the
House in speedy passage of these bills.
501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
