MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WIAT ) — A bill is causing controversy in the Alabama Senate that would give law enforcement more protection in lawsuits. It will head to the Senate floor over the next two weeks.
The bill makes police officers immune from lawsuits unless they clearly violate someone’s rights. That includes acting recklessly or using excessive force outside their discretionary authority. State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said the bill updates state law to match decisions already made by the Supreme Court.
“I believe that this bill will certainly offer protections to consumers, or the citizens of Alabama, from abuse by the police or law enforcement in general but also add some known protections,” Orr said…