'Endangers us all': Lawmakers, activists speak out as Gov. Ivey signs 'Back the Blue' bill
Gov. Kay Ivey signed off on "Back the Blue" on Thursday.
This legislation is a part of Ivey's .
This controversial bill states that it will legally protect police officers from being held responsible for their actions as long as they fall within their authority and responsibilities.
State Sen. Rodger Smitherman expressed his disapproval of the bill. He explained that he grew up during the Jim Crow era and has experienced being racially profiled by the police several times.
Smitherman feels that taking away these rights will specifically target Black people and calls the shift in policing "open season."
"Once upon a time, we didn't have that in our country, in our life. And we fought to get that so that citizens would have a recourse," Smitherman said.
The bill would protect officers unless they act recklessly, without justification or violate well-established legal rights.
The legislation also outlines conditions where excessive force is justified. Law enforcement would not be charged unless the force used on a person violates constitutional rights against excessive force.
Smitherman said the law will take away people's protections against the police.
"We are taking away citizens' rights by not letting them have due process, equal protection," Smitherman said.
activist Cara McClure says the bill is dangerous and sends a clear message that police officers are above the law.
"At a time when communities, especially Black communities, are demanding accountability, this bill, House Bill 202, does just the opposite," McClure said. "It further reinforces systems that criminalize and traumatize and endangers us all."
In a statement, the said the bill is "a crucial step in ensuring our officers have the tools, resources and protections they need to serve and protect our communities effectively."
Smitherman said that part of the bill is starting a review panel. The first review will happen within a year of the bill going into effect, which will be on Oct. 1.
While he doesn't believe there will be any efforts to overturn the legislation, Smitherman does believe there will be some situations that could've been avoided had the bill not been signed.