SB62 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

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

Summary

SB62 would pause the death penalty in Alabama for three years while new fairness procedures are put in place.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates a three-year moratorium on both the imposition and execution of the death penalty. During this time, it requires implementing several procedures to ensure fairness and due process, including following ABA guidelines for defense counsel, strengthening post-conviction relief processes, eliminating race-based discrimination in capital sentencing, and preventing the execution of mentally disabled individuals or those who were under 18 at the time of the offense. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval, and aims to minimize the risk of wrongful executions.

Who It Affects

• Defendants who could face the death penalty would be shielded from new impositions or executions for three years, pending the new procedures.
• Defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, and the state would implement and adhere to the new guidelines and due process measures to ensure fair administration of death penalty cases.

Key Provisions

• Three-year moratorium on the imposition or execution of the death penalty under Alabama law (Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 13A).
• During the moratorium, implement procedures to ensure fairness: (1) ABA Guidelines for defense counsel in death penalty cases; (2) due process procedures to preserve and enhance state post-conviction relief in death sentence cases; (3) procedures to eliminate discrimination in capital sentencing based on race of the victim or defendant; (4) due process procedures to prevent execution of mentally retarded persons and persons who were under 18 at the time of the offense.
• Effective date: 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