SB477 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Crimes and offenses, enhanced penalty for conviction of a Class A felony, with at least three prior felonies, eliminated, trafficking of certain drugs, penalties revised, Secs.13A-5-9, 13A-12-231am'd.

Summary

SB477 would allow judges to choose between life and life without parole for certain habitual Class A felons and would change several drug-trafficking penalties from life without parole to life with the possibility of parole.

What This Bill Does

It removes the mandatory life without parole sentence for defendants who have three prior felonies (with at least one being a Class A) when convicted of a Class A felony, giving the judge discretion to impose life or life without parole. It revises the penalties for trafficking certain drugs, replacing mandatory life without parole with a mandatory term of life with the possibility of parole, with specific minimum terms depending on the drug and the amount involved. The bill also notes how local funds rules (Amendment 621) apply, stating the measure is exempt from requiring local approval or a 2/3 vote because it defines or amends crimes. It would take effect immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Habitual felony offenders who have three prior felonies (at least one Class A) and are convicted of a Class A felony; the sentencing judge can choose between life and life without parole.
• Drug traffickers across various substances (cannabis, cocaine, illegal drugs, and others listed in the bill); penalties would shift from mandatory life without parole to life with the possibility of parole, with tiered minimum terms based on the substance and quantity.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-5-9 to remove the mandatory life without parole option for Class A felonies when the offender has three prior felonies (one of which is Class A) and allows the judge to sentence to either life or life without parole.
• Amends Section 13A-12-231 to change 'trafficking' penalties for various drugs from mandatory life without parole to mandatory life with the possibility of parole, with specific minimum terms based on the drug and quantity.
• States that the bill, while it would require new or increased local expenditures, is exempt from Amendment 621 requirements because it defines or amends crimes, and thus does not require local approval or a 2/3 vote under that amendment.
• Effective date: immediately after passage and governor's approval.

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