SB257 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Definition of Moral Turpitude Act, established, crimes which disqualify citizens from voting provided, Sec. 17-3-30.1 added

Summary

SB257 creates the Definition of Moral Turpitude Act to list specific felonies that disqualify a citizen from voting in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

It adds a defined list of felonies considered 'moral turpitude' for voting purposes. Only those listed offenses, when charged as felonies, would disqualify a person from voting under this act; other felonies would not be treated as disqualifying under this act. The bill explains why a clear list is needed to avoid wrongful disenfranchisement and ties the rules to the Alabama Constitution. It becomes law after the governor signs and takes effect on the specified date.

Who It Affects

• Alabama citizens with felony convictions would be disqualified from voting only if their felony matches one of the listed offenses.
• Election officials and county registrars would use the defined list to determine who loses the right to vote.
• The general public and voters would have clearer, more consistent rules about which felonies affect voting rights.

Key Provisions

• Defines the act as the Definition of Moral Turpitude Act and adds Section 17-3-30.1 to Chapter 3 of Title 17 of the Code of Alabama 1975.
• Provides legislative findings and purposes, including that there is no comprehensive list of disqualifying felonies and that a precise list is needed to prevent wrongful exclusion from voting.
• Lists the offenses that constitute a felony involving moral turpitude, including: Impeachment, Murder, Rape, Sodomy, Sexual abuse, Incest, Sexual torture, Enticing a child to enter a vehicle for immoral purposes, Soliciting a child by computer, Production of obscene matter involving a minor, Production of obscene matter, Parents or guardians permitting children to engage in obscene matter, Possession of obscene matter, Possession with intent to distribute child pornography, and Treason.
• States that a person is disqualified to vote by conviction only for one of the listed offenses when committed as a felony related to moral turpitude.
• Specifies that the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor’s approval.

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

Subjects

Moral Turpitude