AL HB293

Elevates harassment and harassing communications from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class B misdemeanor when the victim is a public official, as defined in Section 36-25-1 of the Alabama Code

Harassment includes striking, shoving, kicking, or otherwise touching someone, or directing abusive/obscene language or gestures toward them with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm

Harassing communications includes communications likely to harass or cause alarm, telephone calls with no legitimate purpose, or using lewd/obscene language via telephone with intent to harass

Retains exemption for legitimate business telephone communications

Effective date: October 1, 2026