Alabama HB494: Search and seizure; warrant required for government agent to enter private land and seize personal property thereon, subject to exceptions

What the bill says

A bill 30 TO BE ENTITLED 31 AN ACT 32 33 Relating to search and seizure; to require that 34 government agents have a warrant to enter private real 35 property and seize personal property, subject to exceptions; to require certain actions of government agents entering 37 private real property; and to provide for searches and 38 seizures conducted in violation of this act. 39.

From the introduced text:

A BILL 30 TO BE ENTITLED 31 AN ACT 32 33 Relating to search and seizure; to require that 34 government agents have a warrant to enter private real 35 property and seize personal property, subject to exceptions; to require certain actions of government agents entering 37 private real property; and to provide for searches and 38 seizures conducted in violation of this act. 39 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA: 40 Section 1. The Legislature finds and declares the 41 following: 42 (1) The people of this state have a right to be free 43 from physical intrusions of their private property. 44 (2) The people of this state have a reasonable 45 expectation of privacy in their homes and property, both real 46 and personal. 47 (3) This state should protect its residents' homes and 48 property, both real and personal, from warrantless searches 49 and seizures. 50 Section 2. (a) For purposes of this section, the 51 following terms have the following meanings: 52 (1) GOVERNMENT AGENT. Any individual who is an employee 53 of or contracted with this state or a political subdivision of 54 this state, including a law enforcement officer and inspector. 55 (2) PRIVATE LAND. Real property that is owned, leased, used, or occupied by an individual or nongovernmental entity, Page …

Sponsors

• Harrison, Ben (R, HD-002) · primary sponsor
• Butler, Mack (R, HD-028)
• Stringer, Shane (R, HD-102)
• Yarbrough, Ernie (R, HD-007)
• Mooney, Arnold (R, HD-043)
• Wadsworth, Tim (R, HD-014)
• Whorton, Ritchie (R, HD-022)
• Brown, Chip (R, HD-105)
• Sorrells, Jeff (R, HD-087)
• Myrex, Cindy (R, HD-012)
• Estes, Tracy (R, HD-017)
• Rehm, Rick (R, HD-085)

Latest actions

1. February 24, 2026: Pending Committee Action in House of Origin
2. February 24, 2026: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary

Common questions

What is HB494?

HB494 is a bill in the Alabama Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Search and seizure; warrant required for government agent to enter private land and seize personal property thereon, subject to exceptions.

What does HB494 do?

In its own words: A bill 30 TO BE ENTITLED 31 AN ACT 32 33 Relating to search and seizure; to require that 34 government agents have a warrant to enter private real 35 property and seize personal property, subject to exceptions; to require certain actions of government agents entering 37 private real property; and to provide for searches and 38 seizures conducted in violation of this act. 39.

What is the status of HB494?

In committee as of February 24, 2026. Latest action: Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (February 24, 2026).

Who sponsored HB494?

Harrison, Ben (R, HD-002), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB494?

On the Alabama Legislature website: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/instrument/2026RS/HB494