HB472 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Poole

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Sex Offenders, registration and community notification, technical revisions and citations update various sections, petition for relief from employment, residency living restriction, civil division of circuit courts, absconding without registering, penalty, Secs. 12-15-107, 12-15-116, 13A-5-2, 13A-5-6, 14-9-41, 15-18-8, 15-19-7, 15-20A-4 to 15-20A-7, incl., 15-20A-9, 15-20A-11, 15-20A-14, 15-20A-16, 15-20A-18, 15-20A-21 to 15-20A-26, incl., 15-20A-28, 15-20A-29, 15-20A-32, 15-20A-34, 15-20A-35, 15-20A-37, 15-20A-39, 15-20A-40, 15-20A-43, 15-20A-45, 15-20A-46, 15-22-27.3, 32-6-49.24, 36-18-24, 36-18-25, 38-13-2, 38-13-4

Summary

HB472 would revise Alabama's sex offender laws to update citations, create relief-from-registration options, strengthen penalties for absconding and non-registration, require disclosure of internet providers used, and expand DNA and related data-sharing provisions.

What This Bill Does

It updates technical citations in the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act and clarifies that petitions for relief from registration, employment, or living restrictions must be filed in the civil division of the circuit court. It creates a process for offenders to seek full or partial relief from residency or employment restrictions, including hearings and victim involvement. It adds penalties for offenders who abscond and fail to register in the county where they declared intent to reside, requires offenders to list all internet service providers used, and expands DNA collection and data-sharing provisions, including a state DNA database. It also broadens criminal history background check requirements for workers in licensed care facilities and related entities, and imposes certain licensing and vehicle restrictions for sex offenders.

Who It Affects

• Adult and juvenile sex offenders: would have new duties (report internet providers, potential to petition for relief from registration/employment/residency restrictions) and could face penalties for absconding or failing to register.
• Law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, and local governments: would administer the new relief process, carry out required notices and data sharing, enforce penalties, and coordinate with state and national registries.

Key Provisions

• Technical revisions to update citations and reflect current law in the Alabama Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act.
• Petitions for relief from registration, employment, or residency restrictions must be filed in the civil division of the circuit court; hearings determine relief, and relief can be full or partial with conditions.
• If a petition is denied, there is typically a waiting period (e.g., 12 months) before a new petition can be filed; the court may impose timelines and notice requirements including victim participation.
• A new penalty applies for sex offenders who abscond and fail to register in the county where they declared to reside, with cooperation from law enforcement and notification to national/central registries.
• Offenders must provide law enforcement with a list of all internet service providers they use; failure to provide information can carry criminal penalties.
• Residency restrictions near schools and childcare facilities are maintained or clarified, with exemptions and mechanisms for relief through court orders.
• Filing and annual or periodic registration-related fees (e.g., $200 filing fee for relief petitions) are established and distributed to specified funds and agencies.
• Expansion of DNA sampling requirements and the creation/maintenance of a state DNA database; DNA data may be used by law enforcement and made accessible under defined conditions.
• Background check provisions (fingerprints, consent, and reports) are expanded for workers in licensed child/adult care facilities and related entities, linking to suitability determinations.
• Commercial driver license (CDL) rules are updated to restrict endorsements (P/S) for sex offenders and to govern issuance/renewal procedures and enforcement.
• Provisions related to juvenile offenders include risk assessments, treatment requirements, and potential relief mechanisms (with procedures similar to adult processes).
• Public registry data handling includes mechanisms to remove entries when relief is granted and to certify/verify records for use in enforcement.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Sex Offenders