HB48 Alabama 2016 1st Special Session Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris SellsRepresentative

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2016

Title

Capital crimes, aggravating circumstances if victim of a capital offense was a law enforcement or correctional officer, Sec. 13A-5-49 am'd.

Summary

HB48 would add two new aggravating circumstances to capital offenses: if the victim was a law enforcement officer or prison/jail guard, or if the victim was under 14 years old.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 13A-5-49 to include these two new aggravating circumstances for capital offenses. The bill notes that applying it may involve potential local funding implications under Amendment 621, but it is exempt from those requirements because it defines or amends a crime. If enacted, it would take effect on the first day of the third month after the governor signs the bill into law.

Who It Affects

• Law enforcement officers and prison/jail guards who are victims, as cases involving their deaths could carry enhanced penalties.
• Victims under 14 years old, as cases involving their death could carry enhanced penalties.
• Defendants charged with capital offenses, who could face harsher penalties due to the new aggravating circumstances.

Key Provisions

• Adds two aggravating circumstances to capital offenses: (11) the victim was a police officer, sheriff, deputy, state or federal law enforcement officer, or a prison/jail guard on duty; or (12) the victim was younger than 14.
• States that the bill would impose a new or increased local expenditure under Amendment 621, but is exempt because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after the bill is enacted (governor signs).

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