SB109 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bryan Taylor

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Gambling crimes, enhanced penalties for promoting gambling, conspiracy to promote gambling, possession of a gambling device, Secs. 13A-12-22, 13A-12-23, 13A-12-27 am'd.

Summary

SB109 would raise penalties for promoting gambling, conspiracy to promote gambling, and possession of a gambling device from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony, with updated definitions and an effective date after governor approval.

What This Bill Does

It increases the penalties for three gambling-related crimes: promoting gambling, conspiracy to promote gambling, and possession of a gambling device. It updates the definitions to clarify what counts as promoting or conspiring to promote gambling and what qualifies as a gambling device, and it sets those offenses as Class C felonies. The bill also notes that it is exempt from local-funding approval requirements under Amendment 621 because it creates or amends crimes. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects

• People who promote gambling will face enhanced penalties (Class C felony) instead of Class A misdemeanor
• People who conspire to promote gambling will face enhanced penalties (Class C felony) instead of Class A misdemeanor
• People who possess a gambling device (with knowledge and intent related to unlawful gambling) will face enhanced penalties (Class C felony) instead of Class A misdemeanor
• Local governments are noted as exempt from the local-funding requirements for this bill under Amendment 621 because the bill defines/changes crimes

Key Provisions

• §13A-12-22: Promoting gambling carries updated penalty to Class C felony; defines 'promoting' as knowingly advancing or profiting from unlawful gambling activity other than as a player
• §13A-12-23: Conspiracy to promote gambling carries updated penalty to Class C felony; defines 'conspire' and clarifies it as a criminal conspiracy
• §13A-12-27: Possession of a gambling device carries updated penalty to Class C felony; defines what counts as a gambling device and related activities
• Section 2: The bill is exempt from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it amends crime definitions, not because of new local expenditures
• Section 3: 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

Gambling