SB386 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Cam Ward
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2012
Title: Criminal sentences, modification of sentencing standard effective after submission unless rejected, truth-in-sentencing standards to be submitted to Legislature, sentencing standards made presumptive subject to modification for certain mitigating and aggravating circumstances, Secs. 12-25-3, 12-25-32, 12-25-34, 12-25-36 am'd. (2012-20412)
Summary: SB386 would create a comprehensive Alabama Sentencing Commission, delay truth-in-sentencing standards until legislative submission, and make presumptive sentencing for nonviolent offenses subject to future legislative modification.
What This Bill Does
The bill establishes a multi-member Sentencing Commission with defined roles and terms, and requires the commission's annual reporting to the Legislature within the first five days of each regular session. It delays presenting truth-in-sentencing standards for legislative consideration and specifies that modifications for nonviolent offenses would take effect unless the Legislature rejects them. It creates presumptive sentencing standards for certain offenses (with exceptions), outlining how sentences should be structured (including minimum and extended terms and post-release supervision) and how modifications are implemented and reviewed by the Legislature.

Who It Affects
Nonviolent offenders, whose sentencing would be guided by presumptive standards that could be modified by the Commission and approved by the Legislature, potentially altering their sentences starting Oct 1, 2013.
Judges and courts, which would apply the presumptive standards and determine whether to depart from them for aggravating or mitigating factors, while facing new appellate review rules and reliance on commission reports.

Key Provisions
Amends Sections 12-25-3, 12-25-32, 12-25-34, and 12-25-36 to define commission membership and structure.
Delays the presentation of truth-in-sentencing standards and requires the commission to submit annual reports to the Legislature within the first five days of each regular session.
For nonviolent offenses, modifications to the voluntary standards become effective unless rejected by the Legislature; truth-in-sentencing standards would be submitted for legislative approval and become effective upon approval.
Establishes presumptive sentencing standards for specified offenses with certain exceptions, including minimum and extended terms and post-release supervision, and allows departures based on aggravating or mitigating factors; includes definitions and appellate review guidelines for departures.

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