HB415 Summary

• Amends Section 13A-11-161 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to add a new category of privileged publications: information concerning an actual or suspected criminal offense that a law enforcement officer provides to a publisher.

• Establishes that this newly privileged information loses its protection if published with actual malice or if the publisher refuses to publish a reasonable explanation or contradiction from the plaintiff.

• Exempts the bill from further requirements under Amendment 621 of the Alabama Constitution because it defines or amends the definition of a crime.

• Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor, or when otherwise becoming law.