February 5, 2026

New Bill Will Make Fleeing Law Enforcement a Felony

By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News

February 5, 2026

MONTGOMERY, Ala. On Monday, Governor Kay Ivey once again called for harsher penalties for those who attempt to elude law enforcement, engaging in pursuits or fleeing by any method.

The Governor wants the Alabama Legislature to send a strong message to deter criminals across the Yellowhammer State from trying to elude the police.

The Governor has brought the subject up several times recently while signing other bills that enhance the authority of law enforcement.

“Government at all levels should always prioritize public safety. And we can thank the men and women in blue for enforcing our laws,” Ivey said during her state of the state address. “Unfortunately, some criminals attempt to elude their authority. There are repeat offenders and in the worst cases, there has even been loss of life. It is time we crack down on that reckless, criminal behavior and pass a bill led by Rep. Reed Ingram and Sen. Lance Bell.”

“In Alabama, we enforce the law, and I look forward to this bill reaching my desk,” Ivey added during her address.

In recent years, other states have elevated the misdemeanor charge to a felony but the current Alabama law, Attempting to Elude is generally a Class A misdemeanor, with felony enhancements only tied to specific conduct. The current law also lacks provisions to adequately address aggravating circumstances that place law enforcement and children at risk, and there are no baseline sentencing consequences for repeat offenders.

The governor backed a pair of companion bills, HB37 and SB233, to change that.

“This legislation will not only crack down on reckless criminals trying to elude our law enforcement but also enhance the safety of Alabama’s citizens by dissuading this careless criminal act,” State Sen. Lance Bell (R-Riverside) said.

“It is time to impose stricter penalties for those who flee law enforcement – especially repeat offenders who put innocent motorists, pedestrians and officers at risk. I want to thank Governor Ivey for continuing to make public safety a priority for her Administration.”

This bill will cause some lawbreakers to think twice before fleeing from the police.

This legislation will enhance penalties for Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer by elevating the base offense from a misdemeanor to a felony. It also will toughen sentences against “reckless” behavior like eluding with children in the vehicle, striking law enforcement officers in their vehicles, or while the offender is on pretrial release.

The legislation beefs up sentences for repeat offenders by requiring mandatory jail time.

“Fleeing from law enforcement is not a harmless mistake – it is a dangerous decision that puts officers and innocent families at serious risk,” State Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road) said.

“By elevating these offenses and establishing mandatory minimums for repeat violations, we are sending a clear message: Alabama stands firmly behind our law enforcement officers and will not tolerate reckless behavior that jeopardizes public safety. I want to thank Governor Ivey for making this legislation a priority for her this session.”

Through last year’s Safe Alabama package of bills, progress was made, the governor says, but the work is never done when it comes to keeping Alabamians safe.