HB529 Summary

• Amends Section 13A-11-163 of the Alabama Code to add an "actual malice" requirement to the defamation statute, addressing a prior constitutional declaration that the existing law was unconstitutional for lacking this element.

• Defines the crime as knowingly or with reckless disregard publishing or disseminating false accusations that a person committed a felony or indictable offense involving moral turpitude.

• Establishes punishment as a Class B misdemeanor with fines not exceeding $500 and/or jail time not exceeding six months at the discretion of the jury.

• Includes severability clause protecting remaining provisions if any part is declared invalid or unconstitutional.

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