The bill introduces the crime of making a terrorist threat in the second degree and establishes penalties for such violations. It repeals the existing crime of making a terrorist threat as defined in Section 13A-10-15 of the Code of Alabama 1975, and creates a new crime of making a terrorist threat in the first degree. The new definitions clarify what constitutes a threat, including the requirement that the threat must be credible and imminent, and it must cause the victim to be in sustained fear for their safety. The bill categorizes making a terrorist threat in the first degree as a Class C felony, while making a terrorist threat in the second degree is classified as a Class A misdemeanor.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific circumstances under which a threat can be classified as first-degree, such as causing the evacuation of property or disrupting activities at schools or churches. It also includes provisions for threats made in retaliation against individuals involved in judicial or administrative proceedings. The bill is designed to enhance the legal framework surrounding threats of violence and is expected to result in new or increased local expenditures, although it is exempt from further requirements under Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022 due to its nature of defining a new crime. The act will take effect three months after its passage and approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13A-10-15, 13A-10-240, 13A-10-240, 13A-10-241, 13A-10-242, 13A-10-15
Enrolled: 13A-10-15, 13A-10-240, 13A-10-240, 13A-10-241, 13A-10-242, 13A-10-15