SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
In a deeply divisive move, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that expands civil and criminal immunity for police officers—legislation that critics say dangerously shields law enforcement from consequences, especially in cases of racial profiling and abuse of power.
The bill, HB202, a top priority for Republican lawmakers and Gov. Kay Ivey, was pushed through after more than three hours of heated debate. Despite vocal opposition from over a dozen Democratic lawmakers, the measure passed 75-26 and now heads to the Senate.
Framed by supporters as a “Back the Blue” initiative to aid police recruitment and retention, the legislation effectively broadens protections for officers accused of excessive or deadly force. But opponents argue it creates new legal barriers for victims—particularly Black and Brown individuals—who seek justice after police misconduct.
“This bill doesn’t just support law enforcement—it protects bad cops from accountability,” said Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, who is also an attorney. “Police officers already have multiple layers of legal defense. Adding another only makes it harder for citizens to have their day in court.”
At the center of the debate was the issue of racial profiling, which lawmakers like Rep. Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham, called out directly. Hollis, who is Black, said the bill could embolden officers who disproportionately target people of color, often without cause.
“I’ve had family members pulled over just for driving a nice car while Black,” Hollis said. “That’s not public safety—that’s racial profiling. And this bill gives those officers even more protection from facing consequences.”
Under HB202, officers accused of excessive force—including deadly force—would be entitled to a pre-trial hearing to determine whether their actions were justified. If found justified, the case could be thrown out before even reaching a jury. While framed as a standard legal safeguard, critics argue this provision will be disproportionately used to excuse violent policing, particularly in communities of color.
Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, underscored how rare it already is for officers to be prosecuted, even in fatal incidents. “The bar for prosecution is already high. What this bill does is raise it even further,” England said. “If the standard is ‘you can’t be prosecuted at all,’ then just say that.”
Supporters, like Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville—a former police chief—defended the bill, saying officers need reassurance they won’t be criminalized for making split-second decisions. Reynolds cited recruitment challenges as a driving force behind the legislation.
But critics say recruitment issues should not be solved by sacrificing accountability.
“This is about power and protection—not justice,” said Rep. Ontario Tillman, D-Birmingham. “We support good officers, but this bill makes it harder to remove the bad ones, the ones who harass and harm innocent citizens, often because of the color of their skin.”
While the bill includes language stating officers are not justified in using force that violates constitutional protections, lawmakers opposing it expressed concern that such wording is vague and insufficient to prevent abuse—especially when systemic racism already affects how the law is enforced.
“What message are we sending?” Hollis asked during debate. “That a badge gives you a pass for profiling, aggression, even deadly force? For people who look like me, this bill is terrifying.”
The legislation now awaits debate in the Alabama Senate, where similar concerns are expected to surface.
