Alabama passes felony false reporting law to deter deliberate crime fabrication in cases involving alleged imminent danger

In response to a high-profile false reporting case in Alabama, lawmakers have passed a new bill aimed at deterring individuals from lying to law enforcement authorities. The legislation, which follows a kidnapping hoax that garnered national attention, will elevate the penalty for making false reports to law enforcement from a Class A misdemeanor to a felony if the false report alleges imminent danger to a person or the public. The bill makes it simpler to mandate compensation for law enforcement expenses as well. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall stated that the aim of the legislation is to serve as a warning to those who deliberately fabricate crimes, so that they experience the full force of the law. Carlee Russell, who admitted that her kidnapping story was untrue, pleaded guilty to minor charges of false reporting to law enforcement and falsely reporting an occurrence in March. She expressed remorse for her actions. The bill has been approved by the Senate with a unanimous vote and is awaiting Governor Kay Ivey’s signature.