AL HB79

Creates a new crime of endangerment of a highway worker in a construction zone with six categories of prohibited conduct including speeding 15+ mph over the limit, failing to obey traffic control devices, unsafe lane changes, assaulting workers, tampering with safety devices, and committing specified traffic offenses in construction zones.

Establishes tiered penalties based on injury severity: Class C misdemeanor for no injury or death, Class A misdemeanor for injury to a worker, and Class C felony for death of a worker.

Requires that at least one highway worker be present in the construction zone at the time of the offense (except for the offense of tampering with safety devices).

Provides affirmative defense that no conviction is possible if the dangerous conduct resulted from mechanical failure of the vehicle or negligence of another person or highway worker.

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