Last week, State Rep. Greg Barnes (R-Jasper) introduced HB363 to make disrupting a worship service a felony under Alabama law, on the heels of the recent disruption of a worship service by anti-ICE protesters in Minnesota, where they targeted the pastor for his service as a local ICE field office director.

And now, he has a supporter upstairs in the Alabama Senate, State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine), who announced his role in moving the bill forward this week.

“We don’t need the mess in Minnesota invading Alabama. I’m looking forward to handling this important legislation for Rep. Barnes in the Senate and I’m honored that he’s asked me to do so,” Elliott wrote.

As currently written, the bill would make it a Class C felony for a first-time violation for an individual that participates in an unlawful protest, riot, or disorderly conduct inside a church building.

With repeat offenders being subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.

HB363 has over 50 cosponsors. The bill has been assigned to the Public Safety and Homeland Security committee. 

Elliott is also handling other criminal justice legislation such as SB20, which further penalizes individuals who assault a police officer, correctional officer, EMS personnel, utility worker, or firefighter while they are in the course of their duty.

Tuesday was day nine of the 2026 state legislative session.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may email him at [email protected].