HB565 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mac McCutcheon

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Sexual offenses, age of consent for sexual acts increased, Secs. 13A-6-62, 13A-6-64, 13A-6-67, 13A-6-69, 13A-6-70, 13A-6-120 am'd.

Summary

HB565 would raise the age of consent for sexual acts from 16 to 18 and adjust related Alabama sex-offense laws accordingly.

What This Bill Does

Raises the age of consent to 18 and updates several crimes to align with the new age (rape in the second degree, sodomy in the second degree, sexual abuse in the second degree, and enticing a minor). It also changes the definition of a 'child' to those under 18 and clarifies consent-related rules, including when someone cannot consent. The bill would take effect on the first day of the third month after it becomes law, and it is exempt from local funding approval requirements because it creates or amends crimes.

Who It Affects

• Minors under 18 years old, who gain stronger protections and have different consent rules under the updated offenses.
• Adults and older individuals, who could face criminal charges (with specific penalties) if they engage in sexual acts with someone under 18.

Key Provisions

• Increases the age of consent for sexual acts to 18.
• Amends Sections 13A-6-62, 13A-6-64, 13A-6-67, 13A-6-69, 13A-6-70, and 13A-6-120 to reflect the new age and related definitions, including redefining a 'child' as under 18.
• Rape in the second degree and sodomy in the second degree remain Class B felonies; sexual abuse in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor (with Class C felony for second or subsequent offenses within one year). Enticement of a minor to engage in sexual acts is a Class C felony.
• The bill is explicitly exempt from Amendment 621 local-funding requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.

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