SB50 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Hate crimes, crimes of arson, burglary, or criminal mischief committed against religious property, additional penalties, Sec. 13A-5-13 am'd.

Summary

SB50 would add harsher penalties for arson, burglary, or criminal mischief when these crimes are committed against religious property.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends the hate-crime law to impose enhanced penalties when the underlying offense was motivated by religion and targeted religious property. It defines religious property (churches, religious cemeteries, or other places of worship and items inside) and applies the enhanced penalties to arson, burglary, and criminal mischief at all degrees. It sets minimum sentences for felonies (15 years for Class A, 10 for Class B, 2 for Class C) and a minimum of three months for a religion-motivated misdemeanor, and it notes these penalties interact with existing laws such as the Habitual Felony Offender Act.

Who It Affects

• Offenders who commit arson, burglary, or criminal mischief against religious property and whose crimes are motivated by religion or related protected status would face increased penalties.
• Religious properties (churches, religious cemeteries, and other places of worship) and their communities would be impacted by the higher penalties and strengthened protections.

Key Provisions

• Adds enhanced penalties when arson, burglary, or criminal mischief committed against religious property is found to be motivated by the victim's actual or perceived religion.
• Defines religious property as churches, religious cemeteries, or other places of worship, including fixtures or religious objects within them.
• Specifies the covered offenses: arson (first/second/third degree), burglary (first/second/third degree), and criminal mischief (first/second/third degree).
• Establishes minimum sentences for religion-motivated felonies: Class A not less than 15 years, Class B not less than 10 years, Class C not less than 2 years; and for misdemeanors, a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum of 3 months.
• Notes that the enhanced penalties may apply alongside existing hate-crime penalties and involve consideration of habitual-offender status.

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