SB188 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Hate crimes, crimes of arson, burglary, or criminal mischief committed against religious property, additional penalties, Sec. 13A-5-13 am'd.

Summary

SB188 adds enhanced penalties for arson, burglary, or criminal mischief against religious property by amending Alabama's hate-crimes law.

What This Bill Does

SB188 would add mandatory minimum penalties when arson, burglary, or criminal mischief is directed at religious property such as churches or cemeteries. It amends Section 13A-5-13 to require minimum sentences for these offenses: at least 15 years for Class A felonies, at least 10 years for Class B felonies, and at least 2 years for Class C felonies, with habitual offender rules applying. It also specifies a minimum sentence of three months for qualifying misdemeanors. Religious property is defined as churches, religious cemeteries, and other places of worship, including fixtures or objects inside.

Who It Affects

• Offenders who commit arson, burglary, or criminal mischief against religious property will face enhanced penalties and potential habitual-offender consequences.
• Religious properties and their communities (churches, cemeteries, and other places of worship) receive stronger protection and deterrence against crimes targeting religious property.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-5-13 to add additional penalties for offenses against religious property.
• Defines religious property as a church, religious cemetery, or other place of religious worship, including fixtures or religious objects inside.
• Specifies offenses covered: arson (first/second/third degree), burglary (first/second/third degree), and criminal mischief (first/second/third degree) committed against religious property.
• Felony penalties: minimum of 15 years for Class A felonies, 10 years for Class B felonies, and 2 years for Class C felonies; applicable to habitual felony offenders.
• Misdemeanor penalties: minimum of three months for qualifying offenses under the section.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following 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