SB246 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Death penalty, persons under certain age exempt

Summary

SB246 would prohibit the death penalty for anyone who was under 18 when they committed a capital offense.

What This Bill Does

If a defendant was under 18 at the time of a capital offense, they could not be sentenced to death under Alabama law. The bill adds this explicit exemption to the statute. It takes effect immediately upon passage and the governor's approval (or as otherwise provided by law).

Who It Affects

• Defendants who were under 18 at the time of the capital offense: cannot be sentenced to death and would face non-death penalties allowed by law.
• Prosecutors and the state: would not pursue the death penalty in capital cases involving defendants who were under 18 at the time of the offense.
• Courts and defense attorneys: must apply the exemption when deciding penalties in capital cases involving under-18 offenders.

Key Provisions

• Section 2: The death penalty shall not be imposed upon any person who was less than 18 years of age at the time the capital offense was committed.
• Section 3: The act becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (or otherwise becoming law).
• Section 1: Legislative findings and definitions, including that a minor is defined as someone under 18 and listing certain activities restricted for minors to provide context for who is covered.

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