HB421 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Craig Ford

Independent

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Bestiality and possession of obscene matter depicting bestiality, crime established, penalties

Summary

HB421 creates the crime of bestiality in Alabama, defines what counts as sexual conduct or contact with an animal, and sets penalties.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a new crime of bestiality and defines sexual conduct and sexual contact with animals. It charges individuals who engage in, cause, aid, or permit such acts, or who organize or provide services promoting them, and imposes a Class A misdemeanor penalty. It also states the bill is exempt from certain local-funding approval requirements because it defines a new crime, and specifies when the law becomes effective after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who knowingly engage in or facilitate sexual conduct or contact with animals, including those who aid, abet, or permit such acts on premises they control.
• Businesses, organizations, or property owners who host, promote, or provide services related to bestiality for commercial or recreational purposes.

Key Provisions

• Section 1 defines 'sexual conduct' and 'sexual contact' with an animal.
• Section 2 specifies the acts that constitute the crime of bestiality and sets the penalty as a Class A misdemeanor.
• Section 3 states the bill is excluded from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime.
• Section 4 establishes the bill's effective date: 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