Legislature Creates Looting Law After Storms

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By CBS 8 News

Story Created: May 3, 2012 at 3:52 PM CDT

Story Updated: May 3, 2012 at 9:49 PM CDT

 

The Alabama Legislature has voted to create the crime of looting because of experiences following the deadly tornadoes that hit Alabama a year ago.

 

Attorney General Luther Strange recommended the legislation. The Senate gave it final approval 27-0 Thursday. The bill now goes to the governor.

 

Proponents say the legislation was needed because traditional property crime laws like burglary don't work well when a building is knocked down and possessions are scattered on the ground. The looting legislation will apply only when the governor has declared a state of emergency.

 

The legislation provides a sentence of one to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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