Alabama Bill Addressing False Police Reports Moves Forward After Senate and House Committee Approval

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Legislation that seeks to elevate the penalty for filing a false police report in Alabama in specific circumstances cleared its first hurdle on Wednesday. The bill, driven by an unsettling hoax incident in 2023, was given the green light by both the Senate and House Judiciary Committees.

Stiffening the Penalty

Under the proposed legislation, filing a deceptive police report could progress from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony when the report indicates an immediate danger to an individual or the public. Sen. April Weaver, R-District 14, is championing the bill, which also proposes that convicts be required to reimburse law enforcement agencies for the resources deployed in response to the fraudulent report.

Response to Russell’s Kidnap Hoax

This legislation responds to the kidnapping hoax staged by 25-year-old Carlee Russell in 2023. Russell placed a 911 call, reporting an abandoned toddler along I-459 in Hoover. However, neither Russell nor the toddler could be located, triggering a significant two-day-long search that garnered national attention. Russell, who resurfaced unharmed and on foot at her parents’ home, confessed through her attorney that she had not been kidnapped.

Following this incident, Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis expressed his frustration over the inadequate penalties for such misdemeanors, urging lawmakers to stiffen repercussions for similar instances.

Concerns Voiced Over Bill’s Potential Impact

Despite its progress, the legislation has sparked debates among lawmakers. Senator Greg Albritton (R) District 22, raised concerns on the potential impact of the bill on domestic violence incidents. Other legislators underscored the provision stipulating day-for-day serving of a sentence. Senator Linda Coleman-Madison (D) District 20, took issue with this, pointing out that more grievous crimes do not carry similar sentence implications.

A Path to Deterrence

Sen. April Weaver remained steadfast in her support for the bill, stating, “We don’t believe the misdemeanor is the appropriate punishment. We believe a law like this would be a deterrent.” Weaver further clarified that the intention of the bill is to preemptively deter incidents similar to the Carlee Russell incident.

Progress in Committees

The bill passed both in the Senate and House Judiciary Committees with party-line votes. The Senate committee approved the bill in a 9 to 3 vote, while House Bill 82 moved forward without any opposition or discussion in the House committee. The bill in the House, also designed in response to the Russell incident, is sponsored by Rep. Mike Shaw (R) District 47.

Amendment Proposed

An amendment sought by Rep. Jim Hill (R) District 50, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, was offered during the House Committee meeting. This amendment aims to remove the day-for-day punishment provision from the bill.

This bill demonstrates Alabama’s commitment to maintaining public safety by reducing resources expended on false reports. However, the debate surrounding it continues, reflecting the need for careful consideration in matters relating to criminal justice policy.