SB48 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsor

Kim Benefield

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Sex offenders, Internet access to commercial social networking website, prohibited, penalties

Summary

SB48 would bar registered sex offenders from using certain commercial social networking sites and punish violations as a felony.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits a registered sex offender from accessing a commercial social networking website in Alabama if the site allows minors to join or create personal pages. A commercial social networking website is defined as a site that earns revenue, helps people socialize, lets users create profiles, and provides messaging or other communication tools. Violations would be counted as a Class B felony, and jurisdiction is based on where the transmission originates, with offenses committed in Alabama if the transmission starts there. The bill notes it would require new local funds but is exempt from local-funds approval rules because it creates a new crime or changes an existing one.

Who It Affects

• Registered sex offenders in Alabama would be barred from accessing defined sites and could face Class B felony charges for violations.
• Commercial social networking websites operating in Alabama (as defined by the bill) and law enforcement would be involved in enforcing the prohibition and penalties.

Key Provisions

• Unlawful for a registered sex offender to access a commercial social networking website if the site permits minor children to become members or to create or maintain personal pages.
• Defines 'commercial social networking website' as a site operated for revenue, that facilitates social introductions, allows user profiles with names, photos, and links to other profiles, and provides communication tools.
• Excludes sites that provide only one of several services (e.g., only photo-sharing, email, or chat) or whose primary purpose is facilitating commercial transactions between members.
• A violation is a Class B felony, and jurisdiction is determined by where the transmission originates.
• The bill would be exempt from Amendment 621 local-funds requirements because it creates or amends a crime rather than imposing new local financial obligations.
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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

Crimes and Offenses