SB97 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 25, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Arthur OrrSenator
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Del Marsh Linda Coleman-Madison Phillip W. Williams Priscilla Dunn Rodger Smitherman Shadrack McGill Clay Scofield Tammy Irons Vivian Davis Figures Scott Beason George M. “Marc” Keahey
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Pardons and Paroles Board, Scottsboro Boys Act, posthumous pardons for certain convictions prior to 1932
Summary: SB97 creates a formal process for posthumous pardons of certain deceased felons by the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles to address social injustices tied to racial discrimination.
What This Bill Does
It establishes a process for evaluating posthumous pardons for Class A or B felons who are deceased, with acts dating back at least 80 years and where a pardon would remedy social injustice tied to racial discrimination. It allows judges in the trial circuit or district attorneys in the county of conviction to file petitions and present supporting material. The Board may hold a hearing and can grant a posthumous pardon only with a unanimous affirmative vote. It sets notice via the governor’s website, clarifies that a pardon does not require delivery to family to be valid, and provides liability and confidentiality protections for the Board’s records.

Who It Affects
Deceased individuals convicted of Class A or Class B felonies who may be eligible for a posthumous pardon under the criteria in the act.
Judges in the judicial circuit where the person was tried or district attorneys in the county of conviction who file petitions and participate as petitioners.

Key Provisions
Eligibility: candidate must be deceased, have a compelling reason to remedy social injustice related to racial discrimination, have not received a pardon in life from this state, and the acts occurred at least 80 years before the petition.
Petition requirements: petition must include attestations from the petitioner, evidence of an intelligent evaluation of the case, the compelling reasons, and truthfulness of information, plus supporting documentation.
Board process: the Board conducts a hearing (not necessarily an investigation) and may consider testimony and evidence; a posthumous pardon may be granted only by unanimous affirmative vote of the Board.
Notice and transparency: the Board must publicly post notice of the hearing on the state agency website with the candidate’s name, date, time, and location.
Effect of pardon: a pardon granted under this act does not require delivery to or acceptance by family to be valid.
Liability and records: the act limits liability for governmental entities and preserves privilege over Board records; standard notice requirements are not applicable for this act.
Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Pardons and Paroles Board