The bill introduced aims to create a new crime known as "doxing," which involves the intentional electronic publication, posting, or provision of another individual's personal identifying information with the intent to encourage harassment or harm. The bill defines personal identifying information to include home addresses, photographs or information of the victim's children and their schools, or any other information that could lead to harassment, threats, or harm. The bill specifically targets doxing against law enforcement officers, firefighters, or public servants, intending to protect these individuals from being harassed, harmed, or impeded in their duties.

The bill stipulates that a first offense of doxing is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, while a second or subsequent offense is considered a Class C felony. However, the bill also includes provisions to ensure that it does not limit political speech protected by the First Amendment or the publication of contact information of public officials for lobbying purposes. The bill is exempt from the requirements under Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, which pertains to new or increased expenditure of local funds, because it defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime. The act is set to become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or upon becoming law without the Governor's signature. The bill has been passed by the House on May 9, 2023, and concurred with the Senate amendment on May 25, 2023.

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