SB28 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shay ShelnuttSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Criminal mischief in the second degree, crime involving church or religious building, mandatory minimum jail time for second or subsequent offenses, restitution a priority, Sec. 13A-7-22 am'd.

Summary

SB28 adds mandatory minimum jail terms for a second or later conviction of criminal mischief in the second degree involving churches or religious buildings, and makes restitution a top priority in such cases.

What This Bill Does

Currently, criminal mischief in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor for damages between $500 and $2,500. The bill adds mandatory minimum jail terms for repeat offenses: a second conviction within five years involving church property would require at least 10 days in jail; a third or subsequent conviction within five years would require at least 30 days. In cases where the crime involves a church or religious building, restitution must be ordered as a first priority before fines, costs, or other court payments. The bill also provides an exemption from local funds requirements under Amendment 621 and sets an effective date for when it would take effect.

Who It Affects

• Individuals convicted of criminal mischief in the second degree where the damage involves a church or religious building; if they have a second conviction within five years, they face a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail, and if they have a third or later conviction within five years, they face at least 30 days in jail.
• Churches and other religious organizations that suffer damage, as restitution to the church or religious entity would be prioritized and paid before other fines or costs.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-7-22 to keep criminal mischief in the second degree as a Class A misdemeanor for damages between $500 and $2,500.
• Imposes mandatory minimum sentences: at least 10 days in jail for a second conviction within five years involving church or religious building damage; at least 30 days in jail for a third or subsequent conviction within five years.
• Requires restitution to the church or religious entity to be a first priority before fines, court costs, or other court-ordered payments when the crime involves a church or religious building.
• States that the bill is exempt from Amendment 621 local-funds requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime, and establishes the effective date as the first day of the third month after passage.

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