The bill establishes the crime of "doxing," which is defined as the intentional electronic publication or sharing of personal identifying information of another individual with the intent to harass or harm them. This includes information such as home addresses and details about the victim's children. Specifically, if the information pertains to law enforcement officers, firefighters, or public servants, the act of doxing is considered more severe, as it can impede their ability to perform their governmental duties. Violations of this law are classified as a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and escalate to a Class C felony for subsequent offenses.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not limit political speech protected by the First Amendment or the publication of contact information for public officials intended for lobbying purposes. The bill is designed to create a new crime and is exempt from certain financial requirements under Alabama's Constitution, as it does not impose a new or increased expenditure of local funds. The act will take effect three months after its passage and approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 36-21-180
Engrossed: 36-21-180
Enrolled: 36-21-180