SB521 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Del Marsh

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Aggravated child abuse, existing crime to be designated in the first degree, exposing child to domestic violence designated aggravated child abuse in the second degree, Sec. 26-15-3.1 am'd.

Summary

SB521 would rename aggravated child abuse to first-degree aggravated child abuse and create a second-degree offense for exposing a child to domestic violence, with higher penalties.

What This Bill Does

It redefines aggravated child abuse as first-degree when certain conditions are met (multiple incidents, violation of court orders, or causing serious injury). It adds a new second-degree offense for exposing a child under 18 to domestic violence, either by witnessing it or being present and able to see or hear it. It sets penalties: first-degree aggravated child abuse would be a Class B felony, while the second-degree offense would be a Class A misdemeanor. The bill also notes it creates a new crime and is excluded from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621, and it becomes effective a few months after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Children under 18, who would be protected by new offenses when they witness or are present during domestic violence.
• Responsible adults/primary aggressors who commit or allow domestic violence involving a child, who could face the new first-degree or second-degree crimes and their penalties.

Key Provisions

• Aggravated child abuse in the first degree is defined with specific triggers: multiple incidents, violation of a court order/injunction, or causing serious physical injury to the child; this offense is a Class B felony.
• Exposing a child to domestic violence becomes aggravated child abuse in the second degree if the primary aggressor allows a child under 18 to witness DV (first, second, or third degree) or if a child is present and can see or hear the act; this offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
• The bill explicitly states it is exempt from Amendment 621 local-funding requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing one.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after 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

Crimes and Offenses