SB154 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Death penalty, persons under certain age exempt

Summary

SB154 would exempt anyone under 18 at the time of a capital offense from the death penalty in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits the death penalty for defendants who were younger than 18 when the capital offense occurred. It includes a definitional section describing minors as those under 18 and listing various activities they are prohibited from under Alabama law. The act would take effect immediately upon passage and governor approval, or otherwise becoming law.

Who It Affects

• Criminal defendants who were under 18 at the time of the capital offense would not be eligible for the death penalty.
• Minors under 18 in Alabama, as defined by the bill, and the related age-based prohibitions on activities (e.g., weapon possession, certain work restrictions, alcohol and tobacco rules, voting, jury service, contracts, abortion, etc.).

Key Provisions

• Section 2: The death penalty shall not be imposed upon any person who was less than 18 years of age at the time of the commission of the capital offense.
• Section 1: Defines 'minor' as under 18 and lists prohibited activities for minors (including weapon possession, late-night work, certain employment restrictions, alcohol-related rules, tobacco, voting, jury service, and other specified prohibitions).
• Section 3: The act becomes effective immediately upon its passage and approval by the Governor, or otherwise becoming 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

Crimes and Offenses