SB595 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Hate crimes, motivated by victim's sexual orientation, additional penalties imposed, Sec. 13A-5-13 am'd.

Summary

SB595 would add sexual orientation and gender identity/expression to Alabama's hate-crime penalties, creating minimum sentences for crimes motivated by these factors.

What This Bill Does

SB595 extends hate-crime penalties to crimes motivated by a victim's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. It sets minimum sentences for felonies (Class A: at least 15 years; Class B: at least 10 years; Class C: at least 2 years) and a minimum of 3 months for certain misdemeanors when the offender's motive is proven. It also allows enhanced punishment under the Habitual Felony Offender Act if applicable, and defines sexual orientation as heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Victims targeted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression would be protected by higher penalties for hate-motivated crimes.
• Offenders whose underlying crime was motivated by the victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity/expression would face minimum sentences and possible enhancements.

Key Provisions

• Adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression as protected motives for hate crimes under Section 13A-5-13.
• Felony penalties if motive proven: Class A minimum 15 years; Class B minimum 10 years; Class C minimum 2 years.
• Misdemeanor penalties if motive proven: Class A misdemeanor with a minimum of 3 months.
• Habitual Felony Offender Act enhancements apply when sentencing under this section for eligible offenders.
• Defines 'sexual orientation' as heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality for this section.
• Effective date: becomes law on 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