Alabama Lawmakers Debate Bill to Limit High-Speed Police Chases

Bill aims to restrict pursuits to only the most serious violent crimes, but law enforcement opposes the measure.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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An Alabama state senator has introduced a bill that would limit when law enforcement can engage in high-speed vehicle pursuits, prompted by a deadly chase in Hartselle that killed a teenager. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Arthur Orr, says it would provide "guardrails" on pursuits, but police groups argue it would hinder their ability to apprehend criminals and protect the public. The Senate Judiciary Committee heard emotional testimony from a grieving mother and others affected by pursuit-related deaths, but did not immediately vote on the bill, giving Orr time to potentially make changes.

Why it matters

High-speed police chases have resulted in numerous injuries and deaths across Alabama, with the state ranking second nationally in pursuit-related fatalities per capita. This legislation aims to balance public safety concerns with law enforcement's need to effectively respond to crimes, though police argue the bill goes too far in restricting their tactics.

The details

Sen. Arthur Orr's bill, SB 120, would mandate that state, county or municipal law enforcement agencies cannot engage in vehicular pursuits unless there is probable cause the driver has committed a violent crime like murder, kidnapping, rape, arson or robbery. It also includes a 'catch-all' provision for any offense that creates an immediate threat of death or serious injury. The bill was prompted by a September 2025 chase in Hartselle that ended in a crash, killing 17-year-old Tristan Hollis. The suspect, Archie Brandon Hale, was charged with reckless murder and other offenses. Hollis' family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Hale, the city of Priceville and the pursuing officer.

  • The September 2025 chase in Hartselle that killed Tristan Hollis occurred on September 6.
  • Hollis' family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in October 2025.

The players

Sen. Arthur Orr

The Republican state senator from Decatur who introduced SB 120 to limit high-speed police chases in Alabama.

Rachel Moore

The grieving mother of Tristan Hollis, the 17-year-old killed in the September 2025 chase in Hartselle.

Archie Brandon Hale

The suspect charged with reckless murder and other offenses in the crash that killed Tristan Hollis.

Garry Chapman

The Priceville Police Department officer who initiated the September 2025 chase that ended in Hollis' death.

Reginald McKenzie

The grandfather of Jaiden DeJarnett, a 16-year-old killed in a 2023 police chase in Decatur.

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What they’re saying

“What this bill attempts to do is provide some guardrails when it comes to the offense (for which) we are going to allow pursuits.”

— Sen. Arthur Orr (aldailynews.com)

“...What torment. To think of my only child in pain, clinging (to) his life, how scared he must have been.”

— Rachel Moore, Tristan Hollis' mother (aldailynews.com)

“At some point, there needs to be an adult in the room.”

— Reginald McKenzie, Grandfather of Jaiden DeJarnett (aldailynews.com)

“While the intent may be well meaning, Senate Bill 120 would significantly hinder law enforcement's ability to apprehend criminals and protect the public by limiting vehicular pursuits to only a narrow scope to violent crimes.”

— Bill Partridge, Chief of Oxford Police Department (aldailynews.com)

“All this is going to do is allow more people to run and put more liability on law enforcement.”

— Phil Sims, Marshall County Sheriff (aldailynews.com)

What’s next

The Senate Judiciary Committee did not immediately vote on the bill, opting to give Sen. Orr more time to potentially make changes in response to law enforcement concerns.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the difficult balance between public safety and law enforcement's need for tactical flexibility during high-speed chases. While the proposed legislation aims to reduce pursuit-related deaths, police argue it would hamper their ability to apprehend dangerous criminals, underscoring the complex tradeoffs lawmakers must weigh.