AL HB192

Amends Alabama's self-defense law (Section 13A-3-23) to create a rebuttable presumption that use of force was not justified if the defendant concealed, altered, destroyed, or disposed of the weapon used, unless voluntarily provided unaltered to law enforcement

Restructures existing self-defense statute to clarify two requirements must both be met: (1) force used to defend against reasonably believed unlawful force, and (2) degree of force reasonably believed necessary

Retains existing "stand your ground" provisions allowing deadly force without duty to retreat when lawfully present and not engaged in unlawful activity

Maintains legal presumption favoring deadly force in specific scenarios including unlawful home/vehicle entry, kidnapping, assault, robbery, rape, and burglary

Effective date: October 1, 2026; passed Alabama House 104-0 on February 3, 2026