House concurs on law-enforcement legal protections bill after extended debate

The Alabama House of Representatives on the floor concurred with Senate amendments to House Bill 202, a package of changes to law-enforcement legal protections that drew extended debate over accountability and officer protections. The concurrence passed 72–28.

Supporters said the measure creates an early judicial review process and limited, controlled access to recordings that can help resolve allegations quickly. Representative Richard Reynolds, the House sponsor, said the bill sets a 45-day window for a judge to review whether an officer has immunity under the statute. "This is gonna bring it to a head in 45 days," Reynolds said, arguing the deadline would allow courts to address community concerns promptly.

Opponents said the measure shifts important discretion from judges and could make it harder for victims to obtain remedies. Representative Terri Hall said the bill "is dictating to the courts and judges on how they should view police officers" and raised constitutional…