HB297 Summary

• Amends Section 13A-3-23, Code of Alabama 1975, to add the "Trayvon Martin exception" prohibiting use of physical force, including deadly force, by a person who initially pursued another person engaged in lawful activity in a public place and the pursuit resulted in confrontation.

• Provides immunity from criminal prosecution and civil action for persons who lawfully use force as justified under the statute, unless the force was determined to be unlawful.

• Extends immunity to innocent bystanders who reasonably believe force is necessary to protect themselves from injury during confrontations between other persons involving justified use of force.

• Restricts law enforcement from arresting a person for using force without determining probable cause that the force used was unlawful.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.