HB 559 Alabama House · 2025 Regular Session

Crimes and offenses; crime of loitering, exceptions further provided; mask usage policies on school campuses, authorized

HB 559 addresses two main areas: modifying the crime of loitering and authorizing mask usage policies on school campuses. It aims to provide further exceptions to the crime of loitering, potentially affecting individuals on public or private property. Additionally, the bill allows for the implementation of mask usage rules within school environments. The provided bill text is an amendment, making it difficult to detail the full scope of the loitering exceptions or the specific provisions for mask policies.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Apr 2025

Committee Review

May 2025

House Passage

Apr 2025

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Apr 10, 2025 Last action May 6, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Engrossed · 5 edits · Apr 29, 2025

MODERATE

This bill was amended to add specific exemptions for wearing masks during protests or public assemblies for health reasons, clarify the definition of dangerous drugs, and add provisions for law enforcement to offer emergency housing before arresting individuals loitering on public roadways. The bill also maintains authority for local schools and universities to set their own mask policies without criminal penalties for violations.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include specific exemptions for mask-wearing during protests and to add a housing assistance option for law enforcement addressing loitering on public roadways.

EXEMPTIONS

Added an exemption allowing individuals to wear medical or surgical masks during protests, demonstrations, or public assemblies to comply with health guidance or state/federal emergency orders to prevent infectious disease spread.

ENFORCEMENT

Added a provision requiring law enforcement to offer emergency housing transport before arresting individuals loitering on public roadways, if applicable.

DEFINITION

Clarified the definition of 'dangerous drug' to include any narcotic, drug, or controlled substance as defined in Chapter 2 of Title 20 and any incorporated schedules.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement that law enforcement may require individuals wearing masks under health exemptions to produce documented medical guidance upon request for identification purposes.

TECHNICAL

Corrected formatting inconsistencies and removed redundant text from the original introduced version to create a clean engrossed version.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 6, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

upper

May 1, 2025

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development)

upper

Apr 29, 2025

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1057

lower

Apr 29, 2025

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1056

lower

Apr 29, 2025

Introduced

Public Safety and Homeland Security Engrossed Substitute Offered (Public Safety and Homeland Security)

lower

Apr 16, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin (Public Safety and Homeland Security)

lower

Apr 16, 2025

Introduced

Public Safety and Homeland Security 2nd Amendment (Public Safety and Homeland Security)

lower

Apr 16, 2025

Introduced

Public Safety and Homeland Security 1st Amendment (Public Safety and Homeland Security)

lower

Apr 10, 2025

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Public Safety and Homeland Security)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors