SB392 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Death penalty repealed, Secs. 13A-5-39, 13A-5-43, 13A-5-44, 15-18-100 am'd; Secs. 13A-5-45 to 13A-5-53, inclusive, 13A-5-55, 13A-5-59, 15-18-80 to 15-18-86, inclusive, repealed

Summary

The bill would abolish the death penalty in Alabama and convert all death sentences to life imprisonment without parole.

What This Bill Does

It removes death as a punishment for capital offenses and replaces it with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Any death sentences already handed down would be commuted to life without parole. It repeals and amends several laws governing capital punishment and the sentencing process, effectively ending the sentencing hearing and related procedures for death penalty cases. The changes take effect immediately after the governor approves the act and apply to death sentences issued before or after that date.

Who It Affects

• Defendants convicted of capital offenses (death-eligible crimes) would no longer be eligible for the death penalty; their sentences would become life without parole.
• The Governor, Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the judiciary, due to changes in commutation/pardon processes and the removal of death-penalty sentencing rules.

Key Provisions

• Death penalty repealed; death is no longer a punishment for capital offenses.
• Existing death sentences are commuted to life imprisonment without parole.
• Amends sections 13A-5-39, 13A-5-43, 13A-5-44, and 15-18-100 to reflect the new rules and remove death-penalty sentencing provisions.
• Repeals sections 13A-5-45 through 13A-5-53, 13A-5-55, 13A-5-59, and 15-18-80 through 15-18-86 (and related capital punishment laws).
• Effective immediately upon governor's approval; applies to death sentences issued before and after the act.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Death Penalty