SB57 Summary

• Prohibits picketing or protesting at or near a residence with intent to harass, intimidate, or disturb residents; first violation is a Class C misdemeanor and subsequent violations are Class B misdemeanors.

• Requires law enforcement officers to instruct protesters to immediately and peaceably disperse before making an arrest, with enforcement authority delegated to Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency if local agencies fail to act.

• Authorizes municipalities and counties to adopt ordinances or resolutions to regulate the time frame and noise level of picketing or protesting in residential areas.

• Creates the crime of "swatting" as a Class B felony for knowingly making a false report to emergency services that causes an emergency response and results in serious bodily injury or death to an individual.

• Becomes effective October 1, 2024.