HB217 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Oliver RobinsonThad McClammyDavid ColstonJohnny Mack MorrowGreg BurdineSteve McMillanVictor GastonRod ScottDickie DrakeAlan HarperAllen FarleyKerry RichMack N. ButlerWilliam RobertsMary Sue McClurkinGeorge “Tootie” BandyJim PattersonDan WilliamsDavid SessionsRichard BaughnKen JohnsonJamie IsonNapoleon BracyMicky HammonK.L. BrownWayne JohnsonBerry ForteDarrio MeltonThomas JacksonJim BartonCharles O. NewtonDemetrius C. NewtonSteve ClousePaul W. LeeBecky NordgrenJuandalynn GivanDexter GrimsleyMerika ColemanCraig FordJohn F. Knight JrApril WeaverJoe FaustHoward SanderfordTerri CollinsLawrence McAdoryJoe HubbardMarcel BlackJohn RobinsonMike MillicanLynn GreerMac McCutcheonMary MooreChris EnglandMac ButtramMike HillBarbara Bigsby BoydJohn W. RogersArtis McCampbellRichard LindseyPebblin W. WarrenJack WilliamsTodd Greeson

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Pardons and Paroles Board, Scottsboro Boys Act, posthumous pardons for certain convictions prior to 1932

Summary

HB217 creates The Scottsboro Boys Act to establish a formal process for reviewing posthumous pardons for certain deceased felons whose alleged acts occurred at least 80 years ago, in an effort to address racial injustice.

What This Bill Does

The bill sets up a process for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to consider posthumous pardons for eligible Class A or B felons whose acts happened at least 80 years before a petition. To be eligible, the person must be deceased, have not received a pardon while alive, and have a compelling reason tied to remedying social injustice linked to racial discrimination. Petitions must be filed by a circuit court judge or the district attorney, include required attestations and supporting evidence, and the board must hold a hearing before making a decision, with the board needing a unanimous affirmative vote to grant a pardon. If granted, the pardon is valid without requiring delivery to the family, and the act provides protections from liability and places board records under privilege. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Deceased individuals convicted of Class A or B felonies whose acts occurred at least 80 years ago and who did not receive a pardon during life, who may be eligible for a posthumous pardon under this act.
• Judges in the circuit where the person was tried or district attorneys who file petitions on behalf of the deceased, and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles which conducts hearings and makes the final decision (unanimous vote required).

Key Provisions

• Creates The Scottsboro Boys Act to establish procedures for posthumous pardons by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.
• Defines eligibility for candidates as deceased individuals convicted of Class A or B felonies, with acts committed at least 80 years before the petition, and seeking remedy for social injustice related to racial discrimination, who have not been pardoned in life.
• Allows a petition to be filed by a circuit court judge or the district attorney, requiring attestations of eligibility, evaluation, compelling reasons, and truthfulness, plus supporting documentation.
• Requires the board to conduct a hearing; the board may rely on the petition and evidence, allow witnesses, and has final discretion; a posthumous pardon may be granted only with a unanimous vote.
• If granted, the posthumous pardon is valid without delivery to the family or heirs, and does not create liability or allow reparations claims; board records are privileged.
• Effective date is the 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

Pardons and Paroles Board