HB406 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mac McCutcheonMadison County Commissioner

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Mike BallHarry ShiverAlan BakerBarry MaskAllen TreadawayAlan BootheWayne JohnsonDavid Colston

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Crime of promoting prison contraband in the first, second, and third degrees, attempt included, increased penalties, Secs. 13A-10-36, 13A-10-37, 13A-10-38 am'd.

Summary

HB406 expands prison contraband crimes to include attempts and increases penalties for bringing contraband into detention facilities.

What This Bill Does

It would amend the laws to explicitly include attempt in the crimes of promoting prison contraband in the first, second, and third degrees. It would raise penalties so that first-degree contraband is a Class C felony, second-degree a Class C felony, and third-degree a Class B misdemeanor (with repeat offenses for third-degree cases potentially costing more). It also clarifies what counts as contraband for each degree (deadly weapons/escape tools for first degree; narcotics for second degree; general contraband and unauthorized currency for third degree). It notes that, although it could affect local funds, the measure is exempt from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it creates or amends a crime, and it would take effect on the first day of the third month after the Governor approves it.

Who It Affects

• Inmates in detention facilities and staff, who could be punished for attempting to introduce or possessing contraband and for violations involving narcotics or currency.
• People outside detention facilities (visitors, workers, or others) who attempt to introduce contraband or currency to inmates or within the facilities.

Key Provisions

• Includes the act of attempting to promote prison contraband in the first-, second-, and third-degree crimes.
• Raises penalties: first-degree contraband becomes a Class C felony; second-degree becomes a Class C felony; third-degree becomes a Class B misdemeanor, with second/subsequent convictions for third-degree offenses potentially elevating to a Class C felony.
• Defines the kinds of contraband for each degree (deadly weapons/escape tools for first degree; narcotics for second degree; general contraband and unauthorized currency for third degree).
• Provides for confiscation and liquidation of currency contraband found on inmates, with proceeds going to the department's general operating fund; repeat offenses for third-degree contraband can carry higher penalties.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval; the bill is stated as exempt from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it creates or amends a 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