HB325 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Paul DeMarco
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Felonies, theft by deception and certain securities violations, statute of limitations extended under certain conditions, exceptions, until discovery of deception, Secs. 8-6-18, 13A-8-2, 15-3-1 am'd.
Summary: HB325 broadens Alabama’s felony time limits and adds a discovery rule for theft by deception and some securities violations.
What This Bill Does
It increases the general felony statute of limitations from three to five years, with certain sections retaining their own limits. It creates a discovery rule for theft by deception and certain securities violations, so the clock for charging does not start until the deception is discovered, and then prosecutors have five years to bring charges. It preserves enforcement roles for the Alabama Securities Commission and allows action if a district attorney fails to pursue a case. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects
Defendants or people suspected of felonies (including theft by deception or securities violations): their window to be charged is extended, and in deception-related cases the charging period starts only after discovery of the deception.
Law enforcement, district attorneys, and regulatory/enforcement bodies (such as the Alabama Securities Commission): changes affect charging timelines, enforcement responsibilities, and procedures if a district attorney does not pursue charges.

Key Provisions
General felony limitation period increased to five years after the offense, with specific exceptions for sections that have their own limits.
Theft by deception and certain securities violations are subject to a discovery rule: the limitations period does not start until the deception is discovered, and after discovery charges must be brought within five years.
Enforcement provisions allow the Alabama Securities Commission to pursue or advance cases if a district attorney neglects to prosecute.
Effective date set: the act takes effect on 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: Crimes and Offenses