HB244 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Connie C. Rowe

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Polygraph Examinations, law enforcement prohibited from requiring from victims of sex offenses

Summary

HB244 would prohibit law enforcement officers, prosecutors, or other government officials from forcing victims of sexual offenses to take a polygraph as a condition to proceed with an investigation or prosecution.

What This Bill Does

It would bar requests or requirements for a polygraph or other truth-telling device from victims as a condition to proceed with investigating the sexual offense. If a victim refuses, that refusal may not prevent the investigation, charging, prosecution, trial, or sentencing of the offense. It defines 'sexual offense' as offenses within Section 15-20A-5 of the Code of Alabama 1975. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Victims of sexual offenses: they cannot be compelled to submit to a polygraph, and their refusal cannot block the investigation or legal proceedings.
• Law enforcement officers, prosecuting attorneys, and other government officials: they may not request or require a polygraph from victims as a condition to proceed.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits requesting or requiring any victim of an alleged sexual offense to submit to a polygraph or other truth-telling device as a condition to proceeding with the investigation.
• Specifies that a victim's refusal to submit to a polygraph cannot prevent investigation, charging, prosecution, trial, or sentencing.
• Defines 'sexual offense' to include offenses listed in Section 15-20A-5, Code of Alabama 1975.
• Establishes the act's effective date as the first day of the third month after 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

Polygraph Tests