HB324 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Jamie IsonMary Sue McClurkinTerri CollinsEd HenryBecky Nordgren

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Criminal surveillance, enhanced criminal penalties for surveillance for purpose of sexual arousal or gratification, crime of aggravated criminal surveillance created

Summary

HB324 would create a new crime, aggravated criminal surveillance, with higher penalties for non-consensual surveillance in private places for sexual gratification.

What This Bill Does

It defines aggravated criminal surveillance as intentionally surveilling someone in a private place without consent for sexual gratification. It makes this offense a Class A misdemeanor, with a Class C felony for second or subsequent offenses. It also counts municipal court convictions toward prior convictions for this crime and includes a note about local-funding requirements being exempt because the bill defines a new crime. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who would intentionally surveil others in private places for sexual gratification would face the new crime and elevated penalties.
• People in general whose right to privacy in private settings would be protected from non-consensual surveillance, as offenders could face higher penalties for repeated offenses.

Key Provisions

• Creates the crime of aggravated criminal surveillance and defines it as intentional surveillance of an individual in a place where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, without consent, for the purpose of sexual gratification.
• Puts aggravated criminal surveillance at Class A misdemeanor, with a Class C felony for second or subsequent offenses; prior convictions (including municipal court convictions) count for determining repeats.
• States that, although the bill would require new local-funding expenditures, it is exempt from such requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing one.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's 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