House Passes Bill Toughening Eluding Law Enforcement Law

A bill that would strengthen laws against attempting to elude law enforcement from a misdemeanour to a felony has passed the Alabama House on an 80-15-4 vote. The approval did not come until after extensive emotional debate along party and racial lines. The bill would require a person convicted of eluding or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer to a minimum of 60 days and would withhold bond.

House Bill 37 is sponsored by Elmore/Montgomery counties Rep. Reid Ingram (R-75). He says the strengthened legislation will protect officer, innocent bystanders and the suspect as well.

A companion bill in the upper chamber is a bit different. Senate Bill 120, sponsored by Morgan, Madison and Limestone counties Sen. Arthur Orr (R-3) would create a standard that state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies must follow when developing and implementing vehicular pursuit policies. It would also limit vehicular pursuits to individuals suspected of certain violent crimes.

The two bills are a result of Gov. Ivey's legislative agenda that she released during January's State of the State Address. She said officers have a duty to pursue suspects, "Some criminals attempt to elude their authority," she told the joint legislative session. "There are repeat offenders and in worst cases there's even been loss of life."

While it was obvious the bill would pass, the debate became extended and emotional as several minority Democrats took to the floor to voice concern that some officers will use the new law as an excuse to be violent with suspects of color.

"Young people can be standing on the corner doing absolutely nothin'," offered Jefferson County Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-60). "Bur if a policeman decides I'm going to find out why he is standing on the corner doing nothin'. When he stops his car to get out that young man doesn't know what's going on...so he might take out runnin'." She said she doesn't want that child's life in danger just because he knows bads things can and have happened.

Givan suggested that people would be less likely to flee if law enforcement-built relationships in minority neighbourhoods

Other minority house members chided white Republicans for not understanding what fear, even an innocent black youth, or adult, can have when approached by an officer considering past history.

The senate bill is still awaiting action.