HB 52 Summary

• Amends Section 13A-10-52 of the Alabama Code to enhance penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer when death or serious physical injury results to the pursuing officer.

• Maintains existing Class A misdemeanor penalty for attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, but elevates the offense to a Class C felony when the flight causes actual death or serious physical injury to the pursuing officer, an innocent bystander, or any third party.

• Requires courts to order suspension of the defendant's driver's license for a period of not less than six months nor more than two years upon conviction.

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

• Excludes the bill from Amendment 621 constitutional requirements regarding new or increased local expenditures because it defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime.