The Madison County Democratic Party, in a statement issued Wednesday night, described the police immunity bill currently in the legislative process as “life-threatening.”
“Allowing extended immunity to police allows prejudice,” executive committee chair Shelia McNeil said about HB202, which has faced Democratic Party opposition at every step as it proceeds in the legislative process this year. “It is imperative to stand against this bill and advocate for those susceptible to injustice.”
Rep. Rex Reynolds, a former Huntsville police chief, sponsored the bill that the Senate judiciary committee approved Wednesday. If approved by full Senate, it heads back to the House before going to Gov. Kay Ivey’s desk to sign it into law.
Reynolds has said the “back the blue” bill would give no immunity to police who violate citizens’ constitutional rights. He also argues that the bill is needed to encourage officer recruitment.
Despite that, the Madison County Democratic Party urged opposition to HB202 and noted that Alabama police are already well-protected by the law.
The bill would allow a police officer accused of misconduct, including use of excessive force resulting in death or injury, to request a pretrial immunity hearing, which the court has to hear within 45 days of filing the motion.
“Unfortunately, it is very difficult to hold officers accountable in some circumstances for actions that appear to violate the law or departmental procedures,” McNeil said of the current immunity law in the state.
“We are especially concerned for Black people and other minorities who have been historically victimized by bias and fear,” she added. “We believe that some police officers may view increased immunity as a ‘green light’ to use excessive force in their encounters.”
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