HB199 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment applicable only to Limestone County establishing justified use of deadly physical force in self-defense or defense of others on church premises.

• Permits use of deadly force when a person reasonably believes another person is using or about to use physical force against employees, volunteers, members, or authorized persons on church property while committing crimes involving death, serious physical injury, robbery in the first degree, or kidnapping in the first degree.

• Grants immunity from criminal prosecution and civil action for justified use of force, unless the force is determined unlawful or violates Section 13A-3-21 of the Alabama Code.

• Requires pretrial hearings where defendants must prove by preponderance of evidence they are immune from prosecution; if immunity is proven, charges are dismissed; if not, defendants may still pursue self-defense claims at trial with the state bearing the burden of proof.

• Restricts law enforcement from arresting a person for using force unless probable cause exists that the force used was unlawful.