HB195 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Juandalynn GivanRepresentative

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Dexter GrimsleyChris EnglandDarrio MeltonMary MoorePatricia ToddMerika ColemanRalph Howard

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Hate crimes, motivated by victim's sexual orientation, additional penalties imposed, Sec. 13A-5-13 am'd.

Summary

HB195 would add sexual orientation and gender identity/expression to Alabama's hate-crime penalties, creating minimum sentences for offenders.

What This Bill Does

The bill expands Alabama's hate-crimes law to include offenses motivated by a victim's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression as grounds for enhanced penalties. It sets minimum sentences for felonies: at least 15 years for Class A, at least 10 years for Class B, and at least 2 years for Class C, with habitual-offender status considered. It also requires a minimum of three months for Class A misdemeanors when the motive is proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The law covers both actual and perceived motives and defines sexual orientation as heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality.

Who It Affects

• Victims of crimes motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, who would receive enhanced penalties against offenders.
• Criminal defendants convicted of crimes with those motives, who would face minimum sentences (15/10/2 years for felonies and at least 3 months for misdemeanors) and potential habitual-offender consequences.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-5-13 to add penalties for crimes motivated by the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
• Defines 'sexual orientation' as heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality.
• Imposes minimum sentences for felonies when the offense was motivated by those factors: Class A not less than 15 years, Class B not less than 10 years, Class C not less than 2 years, with Habitual Felony Offender Act considerations.
• Imposes a minimum of three months for Class A misdemeanors when the motive is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Applies to both actual and perceived motives.
• Effective date: first day of the third month after passage and governor 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

Crimes and Offenses