This bill amends Section 13A-11-61 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to further define the crime of discharging a firearm or other weapon that discharges a dangerous projectile into various types of dwellings and vehicles. The bill includes nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style. Notably, the bill changes the language from "which" to "that" and removes archaic terms such as "hereof" and "deemed." It also specifies that the act of discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling or vehicle is a Class A felony, whereas the same act towards an unoccupied dwelling or vehicle is a Class C felony, removing the previous language that referred to the state criminal code for definitions and punishments.

The bill acknowledges that it may require a new or increased expenditure of local funds but 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 is set to become effective on October 1, 2024. The bill passed the House of Representatives with 84 yeas, 0 nays, and 18 abstentions on April 23, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13A-11-61
Engrossed: 13A-11-61