The Alabama House of Representatives gave the nod to a bill on Thursday that promises to provide increased legal protections for law enforcement personnel. This decision followed an intense and emotional three-hour debate, during which several Black lawmakers recounted their personal experiences with the police.
The legislation, which garnered a 75-26 vote in favor, has the backing of Republican Governor Kay Ivey. The bill will now progress to the Alabama Senate. Its provisions include the requirement of an immunity hearing before a trial to determine whether the use of force, especially deadly force, was justified. It specifies that force is deemed justified if the officer acted within their discretionary authority and did not apply excessive force.
Republican Representative Rex Reynolds, a former police chief and the bill’s sponsor, defended the proposal by explaining that officers often have only split seconds to make critical decisions. The immunity hearing, he argued, would clarify whether the officer was acting as part of their responsibilities or if they acted recklessly. Reynolds emphasized, “HB202 will provide a sense of support from Alabama to these law enforcement officers when they make that decision.” He assured that officers found to have acted improperly would still face prosecution.
The vote followed party lines with Republicans endorsing the bill, while Democrats opposed. Democratic Representative Chris England from Tuscaloosa voiced concerns that the bill might make prosecuting police officers exceedingly difficult. England mentioned past incidents, recalling only three cases over a decade where officers faced prosecution for fatal shootings. He referenced proceedings from Montgomery, Huntsville, and a forthcoming case in Decatur. “This bill is designed to make it harder to hold those officers — who commit acts like that — accountable,” England remarked.
Throughout the occasionally contentious debate, Black lawmakers shared testimonies about their encounters with law enforcement and conversations with their children regarding traffic stops. Democratic Representative Berry Forte from Eufaula lamented the prevalence of police brutality, expressing fear that the bill might embolden officers disposed to misuse their power. “We have to continue to worry about our boys and girls that look like me,” Democratic Representative Rolanda Hollis from Birmingham said to Reynolds, pointing out the disparity in police treatment.
This bill forms part of a broader suite of criminal justice reforms supported by Governor Ivey. Among these is another proposition to prohibit Glock switches, which also passed the House on Thursday and is on the brink of final approval.
