SB234 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator
Democrat
Co-Sponsors: Bryan Taylor Gerald O. Dial Clay Scofield Bill Holtzclaw Paul Bussman Shadrack McGill Paul Sanford Trip Pittman Cam Ward Mark Slade Blackwell
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Gambling devices, possession, penalty increased, Sec. 13A-12-27 am'd.
Summary: SB234 would make possession of a gambling device a Class C felony instead of a Class A misdemeanor in Alabama.
What This Bill Does
If passed, the bill would classify possession of a gambling device—such as slot machines or other devices used for unlawful gambling—as a Class C felony. This increases the penalties for possession compared with the current Class A misdemeanor. The bill also notes that, although it could be seen as needing local funds, it is exempt from those local-funding requirements because it defines or changes a crime.

Who It Affects
Individuals who possess gambling devices (including slot machines and other devices) for unlawful gambling, who could be charged with a Class C felony under the new law.
Law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts, who would handle the more serious charges for possession of gambling devices.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 13A-12-27 to make possession of a gambling device a Class C felony, replacing the prior Class A misdemeanor, and defines possession to include slot machines and other gambling devices used for unlawful gambling.
States that the act is exempt from Amendment 621's local-funding requirements because it defines or amends a crime, avoiding the need for local government approval or a 2/3 vote for this change.

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