HB486 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

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

Summary

HB486 would pause Alabama's death penalty for three years and require new fairness procedures before any death sentence is imposed or carried out.

What This Bill Does

It imposes a three-year moratorium on the imposition or execution of the death penalty. During the moratorium, it requires implementing procedures to ensure fair and impartial handling of death penalty cases, including ABA defense guidelines, enhanced post-conviction relief processes, anti-discrimination measures in sentencing, and protections for individuals with intellectual disabilities or those who were under 18 at the time of the offense.

Who It Affects

• Death penalty defendants and their defense attorneys, who would be affected by the moratorium and the new fairness procedures.
• People protected by safety measures in the bill, including individuals with intellectual disabilities or who were under 18 at the time of the offense, as well as those facing capital sentencing where racial considerations could influence outcomes.

Key Provisions

• Section 1(a): There shall be a moratorium of three years on the imposition or execution, or both, of the death penalty.
• Section 1(b): During the moratorium, implement procedures including (1) ABA Guidelines for defense counsel in death penalty cases; (2) due process procedures to preserve post-conviction relief; (3) procedures to eliminate discrimination in capital sentencing based on race; (4) due process procedures to prevent the execution of persons with intellectual disabilities and those who were under 18 at the time of the offense.
• Section 2: The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor (or when it becomes law).

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