SB49 • 2026

Crimes and offenses; use of taser prohibited on restrained individual, penalties for violations

Crime

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Coleman (M)
Last action: 2026-01-13
Official status: Pending Committee Action in House of Origin
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and text do not provide specific details on enforcement mechanisms or penalties for violations beyond classifying it as a Class C felony.

No Tasers on Restrained People

This law makes it illegal for police officers to use tasers on people who are already restrained or unable to resist, and sets penalties for breaking this rule.

What This Bill Does

Makes it against the law for a police officer to use a taser on someone who is restrained or otherwise unable to resist.
Defines what a 'taser' is: any device that sends an electric shock to temporarily stop someone.
Says using a taser on a restrained person is a serious crime called a Class C felony.

Who It Names or Affects

Police officers who use tasers
People who are restrained or unable to resist

Terms To Know

Taser: Any mechanism that is designed to emit or project an electronic, magnetic, or other type of charge or shock for the purpose of temporarily incapacitating an individual.
Class C felony: A serious crime with severe penalties.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what happens if a police officer breaks this rule.
It is unclear how the law will be enforced or who will decide when someone is 'restrained'.

Bill History

2026-01-13 Senate
Pending Committee Action in House of Origin
2026-01-13 Senate
Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary

Official Summary Text

Crimes and offenses; use of taser prohibited on restrained individual, penalties for violations

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

SB49 INTRODUCED
Page 0
SB49
PS4FSRG-1
By Senator Coleman
RFD: Judiciary
First Read: 13-Jan-26
PFD: 09-Jan-26
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PS4FSRG-1 01/09/2026 THR (L)ma 2026-112
Page 1
PFD: 09-Jan-26
SYNOPSIS:
This bill would provide that it is unlawful for
a law enforcement officer to use a taser on an
individual who is restrained.
This bill would also provide criminal penalties
for violations.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to crimes and offenses; to provide that it is
unlawful for a law enforcement officer to use a taser on an
individual who is restrained; and to provide criminal
penalties for violations.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. (a) For the purposes of this section, the
following terms have the following meanings:
(1) LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. As defined in Section
36-21-40, Code of Alabama 1975.
(2) TASER. Any mechanism that is designed to emit or
project an electronic, magnetic, or other type of charge or
shock for the purpose of temporarily incapacitating an
individual.
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SB49 INTRODUCED
Page 2
individual.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 13A-3-27, Code of Alabama
1975, it shall be unlawful for a law enforcement officer to
use a taser on an individual who is restrained or otherwise
unable to resist, including when an individual has been placed
in handcuffs, body cuffs, or any other restraining device.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class C felony.
Section 2. This act shall become effective on October
1, 2026.
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