HB429 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Death penalty, moratorium on imposition and execution not to exceed three years, procedure for administering

Summary

HB429 would pause the death penalty in Alabama for three years and require new fairness procedures during the pause.

What This Bill Does

It imposes a three-year moratorium on the imposition or execution of the death penalty. During that period, the bill requires steps to ensure cases are handled fairly and impartially, including adopting the American Bar Association guidelines for defense counsel in death penalty cases. It also requires procedures to strengthen state post-conviction relief, prevent racial bias in capital sentencing, and protect people with intellectual disabilities or those who were under 18 at the time of the offense. The moratorium starts on the first day of the third month after the bill is passed and governor approves.

Who It Affects

• Death penalty defendants in Alabama, who would not have death sentences imposed or carried out during the three-year moratorium and would gain strengthened procedural protections.
• Defense attorneys and the Alabama court system, which would implement ABA guidelines and new due-process procedures related to post-conviction relief, anti-discrimination measures, and protections for defendants with intellectual disabilities or under 18 at the time of the offense.

Key Provisions

• A three-year moratorium on the imposition or execution of the death penalty under Alabama law.
• During the moratorium, implement the American Bar Association Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases.
• Establish due process procedures to preserve and enhance state post-conviction relief in death sentence cases.
• Include procedures to eliminate discrimination in capital sentencing based on the race of the victim or defendant.
• Provide due process protections to prevent the execution of persons with intellectual disabilities and those who were under 18 at the time of the offense.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following 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

Death Penalty