SB329 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Rodger SmithermanSenator
Democrat
Co-Sponsor: Myron Penn
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Criminal sentencing, new voluntary sentencing standards adopted, effective October 1, 2010, Sec. 12-25-34.2 added
Summary: SB329 approves updated voluntary sentencing standards and requires sentencing worksheets to be part of the official case record, with implementation starting October 1, 2010.
What This Bill Does
It approves the modifications to the initial voluntary sentencing standards, worksheets, and instructions adopted by the Alabama Sentencing Commission on November 6, 2009, as filed with state officials. It requires that the worksheets used to determine sentencing recommendations in each case be made part of the case record whenever these standards are considered. It adds a new code section, 12-25-34.2, to authorize implementation of these modifications for worksheet offenses sentenced on or after October 1, 2010, under existing sentencing laws. It directs ongoing development and refinement of the voluntary standards by the Alabama Sentencing Commission and repeals any laws that conflict with these changes.

Who It Affects
Defendants or offenders in felony cases who are sentenced under the voluntary sentencing standards; the approved standards and worksheets will guide their sentences and the worksheets will be part of the case record.
The Alabama Sentencing Commission and the court system (trial courts and clerks) — the Commission will continue to develop and modify the standards, and courts/clerks must file and maintain the sentencing worksheets as part of the case record.

Key Provisions
Approves modifications to the initial voluntary sentencing standards, worksheets, and instructions adopted by the Alabama Sentencing Commission on November 6, 2009, as filed with the Clerk of the Alabama Supreme Court, the Secretary of the Alabama Senate, and the Clerk of the Alabama House of Representatives.
Adds Section 12-25-34.2 to authorize implementation of the modifications for worksheet offenses, with effectiveness for cases sentenced on or after October 1, 2010, under Sections 12-25-34 and 12-25-35.
Requires that worksheets used to determine sentencing recommendations in each case be filed with the clerk of the trial court and become part of the case record for cases where the standards have been considered.
Repeals conflicting laws.
The act becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (or otherwise becomes law).

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