The bill aims to prohibit individuals from picketing or protesting at residences with the intent to harass, intimidate, or disturb the occupants. It establishes that such actions will be classified as a Class C misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class B misdemeanor for subsequent violations. Law enforcement officers are required to instruct individuals to disperse peacefully before making an arrest for violations of this section. Additionally, the bill allows municipalities and counties to adopt ordinances regulating the time and noise levels of protests in residential areas, with violations of these local regulations enforced similarly to the state law.
The bill also includes a provision that, despite its potential to require new or increased local expenditures, it is exempt from further requirements under Section 111.05 of the Alabama Constitution because it defines a new crime or amends an existing one. The act will take effect on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.