SB153 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

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

Summary

SB153 would pause the death penalty in Alabama for three years and require new procedures to ensure fair and impartial administration and reduce wrongful executions.

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 several procedures to ensure due process and fairness, including ABA Guidelines for defense counsel in death penalty cases, enhanced post-conviction relief processes, measures to prevent racial bias in sentencing, and protections for mentally retarded individuals and those who were under 18 at the time of their offense.

Who It Affects

• Death penalty defendants and inmates awaiting sentencing or execution would experience a three-year halt and new rights protections during that period.
• Defense lawyers, state courts, and government agencies handling capital cases would be required to adopt and follow new guidelines and procedures (ABA guidelines, post-conviction relief enhancements, anti-discrimination measures, and age/mental-status protections).

Key Provisions

• Three-year moratorium on imposition or execution of the death penalty.
• During the moratorium, implement ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases.
• Implement due process procedures to preserve and enhance state post-conviction relief in death sentence cases.
• Implement procedures to eliminate discrimination in capital sentencing based on the race of the victim or the defendant.
• Implement due process procedures to prevent the execution of mentally retarded persons and persons who were under the age of 18 at the time of the offense.
• Effective date: moratorium begins on the first day of the third month following passage and governor's 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

Death Penalty