HB8 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Beckman

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Child abuse, crimes and offenses, aggravated child abuse of a child under age of six, penalties, Sec. 26-15-3.2 added

Summary

HB8 would create a new aggravated child abuse crime for children under six, making certain abuse cases a Class A felony.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds a new crime called aggravated child abuse of a child under six. It applies when a responsible person commits abuse to a child under six on multiple occasions, or when such abuse also violates a court order, or when it causes serious physical injury. The offense carries a Class A felony, and the bill includes a provision about local funding exemptions under Amendment 621, noting it defines a new crime rather than requiring local approval. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after the bill is passed and approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Children under six years old who may be victims of aggravated abuse and serious injury.
• Caregivers or other responsible persons (as defined in the law) who commit the described abuse against a child under six.

Key Provisions

• Adds §26-15-3.2 to create aggravated child abuse of a child under the age of six.
• Defines when the crime occurs: repeated acts of abuse against a child under six; abuse that also violates a court order; or abuse that causes serious physical injury.
• Sets the penalty as Class A felony for this crime.
• States the bill is exempt from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
• Specifies the act becomes effective on 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

Child Abuse