The bill amends Section 13A-11-61.1 of the Code of Alabama 1975, revising the penalties for discharging a firearm into an occupied or unoccupied school bus or school building. The key changes include increasing the penalty for discharging a firearm into an occupied school bus or building from a Class B felony to a Class A felony, while maintaining the penalty for discharging a firearm into an unoccupied school bus or building as a Class C felony. Additionally, the bill specifies that shooting or discharging a firearm on school property during school hours or activities is classified as a Class B felony, while other instances are classified as a Class C felony.

The bill also clarifies certain exemptions, stating that individuals are not in violation of this section if they are justified in using physical force or if they are participating in a system-sanctioned event involving firearms. Furthermore, it updates the language regarding school property to exclude certain lands held in trust that are not actively used for educational or recreational purposes. The bill removes a provision that exempted individuals under 19 years of age from violations of this section. The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2026.

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