SB21 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald H. AllenSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Terrorism, forfeiture of property derived from, authorization of claims by injured parties and law enforcement, allocation of proceeds from forfeiture, civil action for damages, limitations
Summary: SB21 expands terrorism-related civil liability, creates broad property forfeiture, and sets how forfeited proceeds may be used, while allowing victims to sue terrorists for damages.
What This Bill Does
The bill allows the forfeiture of all property used in or derived from an act of terrorism. It lets injured people and law enforcement involved in terrorism cases file claims for costs or damages to be paid from forfeited property, and it outlines a fixed order for distributing those proceeds. It also authorizes victims to sue the person who committed terrorism for damages, with potential for treble damages or a minimum amount, and sets a five-year limit on filing related claims.

Who It Affects
People injured by acts of terrorism (and their families) who could file claims for costs or damages and may sue the perpetrator for damages.
Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and other government entities involved in terrorism investigations and forfeiture processes who may file claims and receive a portion of forfeiture proceeds.

Key Provisions
Civil forfeiture: All property used in or derived from terrorism can be forfeited to the state or a private entity.
Claims for costs/damages: Injured persons and involved agencies may file claims to be paid from forfeited property.
Allocation of proceeds: Proceeds are distributed in a set order—investigation costs to the investigating agency(s), a share to the prosecuting attorney, unreimbursed costs to participating agencies, costs of mitigation/seizure/forfeiture to involved agencies, and remaining funds to satisfy victims' judgments.
Limitation period: There is a five-year limit to assert a claim against forfeited property.
Damages actions: Victims may sue the terrorism offender for damages, potentially receiving three times actual damages or $10,000 (whichever is greater) plus attorney's fees if they win.
Protection for innocent interests: Mortgagees, lienholders, or joint owners who prove factual innocence are not disadvantaged by forfeiture.

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