SB357 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Roger Bedford, Jr.

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Hinton MitchemArthur OrrWendell MitchellTom Butler

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Criminal homicide, common law doctrine requiring death to occur within one year and a day abolished, Sec. 13A-3-4 added

Summary

Abolishes the common-law rule that a homicide death must occur within one year and a day of the act, allowing prosecutions even if death happens later.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds a new section (13A-3-4) to Alabama law stating that if the act causing a homicide occurred more than one year and one day before the death, it is not a defense or bar to prosecution. It applies to acts occurring after July 1, 2010 and is titled the Officer Tommy Bishop Act.

Who It Affects

• Defendants charged with criminal homicide, who could face prosecution even if the death occurred more than a year and a day after the act
• Prosecutors and law enforcement, who would pursue homicide cases without the timing constraint

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 13A-3-4 to the Code of Alabama 1975 to remove the time-bar on prosecution based on the death occurring more than one year and one day after the offense
• Provides that death occurring more than one year and one day after the act is not a bar to prosecution or a defense
• Applied to acts occurring after July 1, 2010
• Designates the act as 'The Officer Tommy Bishop Act' and sets the effective date as July 1, 2010

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