The bill introduces a new legal framework for addressing terrorist threats in two degrees. It creates the crime of making a terrorist threat in the second degree, which is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. This crime involves a credible threat to commit a crime of violence or property damage using various means, including bombs, weapons of mass destruction, firearms, or other mechanisms. The bill also establishes the crime of making a terrorist threat in the first degree, which is a more serious offense classified as a Class C felony. This crime is characterized by the same type of credible threat, but with additional conditions such as causing an evacuation, disrupting a school, church, or government activity, or being made with intent to retaliate against an individual involved in legal or administrative processes.

The bill repeals Section 13A-10-15 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which previously addressed the crime of making a terrorist threat, replacing it with the new definitions and penalties. The bill specifies that despite the potential requirement of new or increased expenditure of local funds, it is excluded from further requirements under Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022 because it defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime. The act will take effect on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law. The Senate passed the bill on May 31, 2023.

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