HB414 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jim CarnsRepresentative
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Ed Henry Barry Moore April Weaver Paul W. Lee Dan Williams Lynn Greer Terri Collins Kerry Rich K.L. Brown Richard Baughn Becky Nordgren David Sessions Allen Farley Mark Tuggle Wayne Johnson Jim Patterson John Merrill Donnie Chesteen Kurt Wallace Mac Buttram Mary Sue McClurkin Allen Treadaway Blaine Galliher Joe Faust Harry Shiver Dickie Drake Mike Ball Victor Gaston Jay Love Mac McCutcheon Randy Davis Elwyn Thomas Chad Fincher Alan Baker Greg Wren Micky Hammon Howard Sanderford Duwayne Bridges Barry Mask Steve Clouse Randy Wood Jim McClendon Steve McMillan Lesley Vance
Session: Regular Session 2012
Title: Crimes and offenses, gambling, person defined, penalties, Secs. 13A-12-20, 13A-12-22, 13A-12-23, 13A-12-24, 13A-12-27 am'd
Summary: HB414 tightens Alabama gambling laws by treating corporations as 'persons' in gambling offenses, raising penalties for several gambling crimes, and letting authorities seize and sell property used for illegal gambling with proceeds going to law enforcement.
What This Bill Does
HB414 changes who can be punished for gambling crimes by defining 'person' to include corporations and other business entities. It increases penalties for several gambling offenses: promoting illegal gambling and conspiracy to promote illegal gambling would be Class C felonies; possession of illegal gambling records in the first degree would be a Class C felony; and possession of 10 or more gambling devices would be a Class C felony. It also allows seizure and sale of real property used for illegal gambling, with the sale proceeds going to the law enforcement agencies that seized the property. The bill is exempt from certain local funding requirements because it defines or amends crimes, and it would take effect on the first day of the third month after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects
Individuals and corporations involved in illegal gambling would face higher penalties (Class C felonies) under the expanded 'person' definition.
Property owners or operators whose premises or devices are used for illegal gambling could have real property seized and sold, with the proceeds going to the law enforcement agencies that secured them.

Key Provisions
Defines 'Person' to include individuals, corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, associations, or other organizations for purposes of gambling crimes.
Raises penalties: promoting illegal gambling and conspiracy to promote illegal gambling become Class C felonies; possession of illegal gambling records in the first degree becomes a Class C felony; possession of 10 or more gambling devices becomes a Class C felony.
Authorizes seizure and condemnation of real property used for illegal gambling; upon conviction, the property is sold and the proceeds go to the law enforcement agencies that seized it.
Provides that the bill is exempt from local expenditure requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines or amends crimes, and sets the act's effective date as the first day of the third month after assent by the Governor.

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