SB67 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Death penalty, persons under certain age exempt

Summary

SB67 would bar the death penalty for anyone who was under 18 at the time they committed a capital offense.

What This Bill Does

The bill prohibits the death penalty for defendants who were under 18 when they committed a capital offense. It codifies this rule in Alabama law, reflecting the principle from U.S. Supreme Court decisions. The bill also defines the term 'minor' as under 18 and lists a set of activities from which minors are prohibited, illustrating age-based restrictions in state law.

Who It Affects

• Criminal defendants who were under 18 at the time they committed a capital offense would not be eligible for the death penalty.
• Minors (under 18) in Alabama would be defined by the bill and subject to a listed set of prohibitions on certain activities (e.g., weapon possession, late-night work, tobacco use, voting, jury service).

Key Provisions

• Prohibits the death penalty for any person who was less than 18 years of age at the time of the commission of the capital offense.
• Defines 'minor' as under 18 and lists various activities from which minors are prohibited, illustrating age-based restrictions in state law.
• States that the death penalty shall not be imposed on anyone under 18 at the time of the capital offense, with immediate effectiveness upon 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