HB115 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thad McClammy

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Definition of Moral Turpitude Act, established, crimes which disqualify citizens from voting provided, Sec. 17-3-30.1 added

Summary

HB115 creates the Definition of Moral Turpitude Act to specify exactly which felonies count as moral turpitude and can disqualify a citizen from voting.

What This Bill Does

It adds a new Section 17-3-30.1 to define moral turpitude for voting purposes by listing specific offenses that disqualify eligible citizens who are convicted of felonies. The bill clarifies that only those listed offenses, when committed as felonies, would cause disenfranchisement and provides an authoritative list to reduce wrongful exclusions. It includes legislative findings explaining why a clear list is needed. It would take effect on the first day of the third month after it becomes law following passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Citizens with felony convictions that involve offenses listed in 17-3-30.1, who would be disqualified from voting if their conviction falls under the defined moral turpitude offenses.
• Election officials and county registrars who would apply the defined list to determine whether a given conviction qualifies as a moral turpitude disqualification.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Definition of Moral Turpitude Act and adds a new Section 17-3-30.1 to Chapter 3, Title 17, Code of Alabama 1975.
• Enumerates the offenses that constitute a felony involving moral turpitude, to be disqualifying for voting purposes when committed as felonies, including a wide range of crimes such as murder, various forms of rape and robbery, burglary, treason, forgery, drug offenses (e.g., sale of cocaine and marijuana), theft offenses, and other listed felonies.
• Provides legislative findings and purposes to justify a clear, authoritative list to prevent wrongful disenfranchisement and to align with constitutional provisions.
• States the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor's approval (or when it otherwise becomes law).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Moral Turpitude