HB605 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chad Fincher

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Sexual misconduct in the first degree, crime established, penalties

Summary

HB605 creates a new crime of sexual misconduct in the first degree for minors under 16 who have sex with another minor at least two years younger, with penalties that include felony charges and sex-offender registration for repeat offenses.

What This Bill Does

It establishes sexual misconduct in the first degree as a new crime when a person under 16 has sexual intercourse with another person under 16 and the older person is at least two years older. The first offense would be a Class C felony and would not require sex-offender registration; a second or subsequent offense would be a Class B felony and would require registration. The bill notes a constitutional provision about local fund spending but is treated as exempt from those local funding requirements. The act would become effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor’s approval.

Who It Affects

• Minors under 16 who engage in sexual intercourse with another minor under 16 where the older minor is at least two years older (potentially facing a new felony charge and possible penalties; second or subsequent offenses would trigger sex-offender registration).
• Local governments and budgeting officials, due to the bill’s stated relation to Amendment 621 on local expenditure rules, though the bill is designed to be exempt from those requirements.

Key Provisions

• Creates sexual misconduct in the first degree for persons under 16 who engage in sexual intercourse with another person under 16 and the actor is at least two years older.
• First offense is a Class C felony and does not require sex-offender registration; second or subsequent offense is a Class B felony and requires sex-offender registration.
• Acknowledges Amendment 621 of the Alabama Constitution and notes the bill is exempt from the usual local-funding approval requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following 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

Sex Crimes