AL HB509

Establishes an affirmative defense in civil lawsuits for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage when the plaintiff was willfully obstructing traffic on a public street, highway, bridge, or road

Qualifying obstruction includes impeding or restraining traffic, standing or remaining in the roadway, or endangering the safe movement of vehicles or pedestrians

Courts must stay the civil action upon defendant's motion if a related criminal case with the same factual basis is pending

Effective date: October 1, 2026