SB244 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Death penalty, persons under certain age exempt

Summary

SB244 would prohibit the death penalty for anyone who was under 18 when they committed a capital offense.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill adds an exemption that prevents imposing the death penalty on defendants who were under 18 at the time of the capital offense. It thus directs courts to apply other penalties instead of the death penalty in such cases. The act takes effect immediately upon passage and governor approval, or otherwise becoming law.

Who It Affects

• Defendants who were under 18 at the time they allegedly committed a capital offense will not be eligible for the death penalty.
• The Alabama criminal justice system (prosecutors, defense attorneys, and courts) would not pursue or impose the death penalty in cases involving defendants under 18 at the time of the offense.

Key Provisions

• Section 2: The death penalty shall not be imposed upon any person who was a minor at the time of the commission of the capital offense.
• Section 3: The act becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor, or otherwise becoming law.
• Section 1: Defines 'minor' as a person under 18 and lists various activities that are used to determine minor status (e.g., restrictions on weapons, work hours, alcohol-related activities, tobacco, voting, jury service, contracts, abortion consent, etc.).

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