HB247 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Patricia Todd

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

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

Summary

HB247 would extend Alabama's hate-crime penalties to crimes motivated by a victim's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds protection for victims based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression to the existing hate-crime penalties. If a crime is proven beyond a reasonable doubt to be motivated by these factors, the offender faces higher sentences: minimums of 15 years for Class A felonies, 10 years for Class B felonies, and 2 years for Class C felonies, plus a minimum of three months for a Class A misdemeanor; prior felony convictions may trigger habitual offender penalties. It also defines sexual orientation to include heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality.

Who It Affects

• Victims whose sexual orientation or gender identity/expression is the motive of the crime, who gain stronger legal penalties for offenders.
• Offenders and defendants charged with hate crimes involving those motives, who would face enhanced penalties if proven.
• The Alabama criminal justice system and prosecutors, who would apply the enhanced penalties and potential habitual-offender considerations when appropriate.

Key Provisions

• Extends hate-crime penalties to crimes motivated by the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
• Sexual orientation is defined to include heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality.
• Felony penalties if motive is proven: Class A not less than 15 years, Class B not less than 10 years, Class C not less than 2 years; habitual felony offender considerations apply.
• Misdemeanor penalties if motive is proven: Class A misdemeanor with a minimum of three months.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage/approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses