SB22 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tom Whatley
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Murder, aggravated child abuse resulting in death of child, commission or attempt constitutes murder, Sec. 13A-6-2 am'd.
Summary: SB22 adds murder charges when aggravated child abuse results in death during the commission or attempted commission of that abuse.
What This Bill Does
It creates a murder trigger: if a person commits aggravated child abuse and causes the death of another person during the crime or during flight, that person is guilty of murder. It keeps the existing murder framework and penalties, including that murder is a Class A felony and can carry either death or life imprisonment without parole in aggravated cases. It also notes the bill would involve local-funding considerations under Amendment 621, but states the bill is exempt from those requirements because it defines a new crime. The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after governor approval.

Who It Affects
Offenders who commit aggravated child abuse and, if a death occurs during the crime or attempted crime, would face murder charges instead of only the underlying felony.
Local governments and taxpayers, because the bill discusses local-funding rules under Amendment 621 but is stated to be exempt since it creates a new crime.

Key Provisions
Adds a new murder trigger: a person commits murder if they commit or attempt aggravated child abuse and cause the death of another person during the commission or attempt.
Affirms murder as a Class A felony with potential punishment of death or life imprisonment without parole for murder or aggravated circumstances.
Provides that, although the bill would ordinarily raise local-funding concerns under Amendment 621, it is exempt because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
Sets the act to become effective on the first day of the third month following its 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: Crimes and Offenses