AL SB188

Amends Alabama Code Section 13A-3-23 regarding justification for using physical force in self-defense or defense of another person

Creates a rebuttable presumption that a defendant's use of force was not justified if they concealed, altered, destroyed, or disposed of the weapon used in the alleged offense

Exception to the presumption applies if the defendant voluntarily provides the unaltered weapon to law enforcement

Retains existing requirements that defendants claiming self-defense must prove immunity by a preponderance of evidence at a pretrial hearing

Effective date: October 1, 2026