AL HB518

Warrants for misdemeanor violations, traffic violations, and municipal ordinance violations may be sworn and issued by a judge or magistrate remotely via video link, telephone, or digital means, without requiring the affiant's physical presence

Law enforcement officers may swear to facts contained in Uniform Traffic Tickets and Uniform Nontraffic Citations before authorized judicial personnel through remote, digital, video, or telephone communication

Law enforcement officers gain limited magistrate authority to administer oaths to other officers for misdemeanor complaints and citations, using reliable electronic means or in-person

Officers are prohibited from notarizing their own signatures under the new oath administration provisions

Effective date: October 1, 2026