SB152 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Death penalty repealed, Secs. 13A-5-39, 13A-5-43, 13A-5-44, 15-18-100 am'd; Secs. 13A-5-45 to 13A-5-53, inclusive, 13A-5-55, 13A-5-59, 15-18-80 to 15-18-86, inclusive, repealed

Summary

SB152 would repeal the death penalty in Alabama and convert all death sentences to life imprisonment without parole, including commuting existing death sentences.

What This Bill Does

The bill removes death as a possible punishment for capital offenses and changes the related sentencing processes. It amends key sections to redefine capital offenses and strip away death as an option, and it repeals a broad set of death-penalty related provisions. It requires that any existing death sentences be commuted to life imprisonment without parole and it takes effect immediately, applying to sentences both before and after its effective date.

Who It Affects

• Current Alabama prisoners who are on death row, as their death sentences would be commuted to life imprisonment without parole.
• People accused or convicted of capital offenses in the future, since the death penalty would no longer be available and life without parole would be the punishment.
• Courts, prosecutors, and juries involved in capital cases, as the sentencing hearing and related procedures for the death penalty would be removed.

Key Provisions

• Amends sections 13A-5-39, 13A-5-43, 13A-5-44, and 15-18-100 to remove death as a potential punishment and to adjust definitions related to capital offenses and sentencing.
• Repeals Sections 13A-5-45 through 13A-5-53 inclusive, 13A-5-55, 13A-5-59, and 15-18-80 through 15-18-86 inclusive of the Code of Alabama 1975.
• Requires all existing death sentences to be commuted to life imprisonment without parole.
• Effective immediately following passage and governor approval, applies to sentences imposed before and after the act; repeals conflicting laws as listed.

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