The bill amends Section 13A-11-9 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to provide additional exemptions to the crime of loitering, particularly concerning individuals wearing masks. New legal language specifies that a person does not commit loitering while masked if they are going to or from a masquerade party, participating in public parades or educational events, or wearing a medical mask during protests or public assemblies to comply with health guidelines or emergency declarations. Additionally, the bill clarifies that law enforcement may require individuals to remove their masks for identification purposes under certain circumstances. The definitions of "dangerous drug" and "sodomy" have also been updated to reference specific sections of the law.

Furthermore, the bill empowers local boards of education and public institutions of higher education to establish their own policies regarding mask usage during protests or public assemblies on their properties. These institutions can impose administrative discipline for violations of their policies, but such violations cannot lead to criminal charges under the amended loitering law. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13A-11-9
Engrossed: 13A-11-9