SB353 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Holtzclaw

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Controlled substances, crime of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, created, penalties

Summary

SB353 would create a new crime of possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute, punishable as a Class B felony.

What This Bill Does

It makes unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance a Class B felony. It adds prima facie evidence rules, meaning certain drug quantities automatically suggest you intend to distribute. The thresholds cover cocaine, morphine/opioids/heroin, MDMA and related substances, amphetamine, and methamphetamine. The bill notes local-funding rules but is exempt from those requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute would face a new Class B felony.
• Law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts would apply and adjudicate the new crime, including the quantity-based rules.

Key Provisions

• Creates the crime of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
• Penalty: Class B felony.
• Establishes prima facie evidence rules with quantity thresholds for certain drugs to show intent to distribute.
• Specific thresholds include various grams for cocaine, morphine/opioids/heroin, MDMA, amphetamine, and methamphetamine to indicate intent to distribute.
• States the bill is exempt from local funding requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
• 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 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses