HB513 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Patricia Todd

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Hate crimes, motivated by victim's sexual orientation, additional penalties imposed, Sec. 13A-5-13 am'd.

Summary

HB513 would add hate-crime penalties for crimes motivated by a victim's sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

What This Bill Does

It amends Alabama hate-crime law (Section 13A-5-13) to impose additional penalties when the crime is shown to be motivated by the victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. It sets minimum prison terms for felonies (15 years for a Class A felony, 10 years for a Class B felony, 2 years for a Class C felony) and a minimum of three months for Class A misdemeanors when the underlying offense was motivated by these factors, with possible enhanced punishment under the Habitual Felony Offender Act for repeat offenders. It defines sexual orientation as heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality.

Who It Affects

• Victims targeted because of the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, who would be protected by higher penalties for offenders.
• Offenders who commit crimes with these motives, who would face higher minimum sentences and possible habitual-offender enhancements.

Key Provisions

• Adds additional penalties for crimes motivated by the victim's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
• Defines 'sexual orientation' as heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality.
• Felonies: minimum sentences—15 years for Class A, 10 years for Class B, 2 years for Class C—when motive is established; habitual-offender enhancements may apply.
• Misdemeanors: conviction found to be motivated by these factors requires sentencing to a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum of three months.
• Requires motive to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt and clarifies the act's aim to increase penalties for targeted crimes.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses