SB237 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Dick Brewbaker
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Innocence Inquiry Commission, creation within Administrative Office of Courts, duties, review of by felony conviction upon presentation of verifiable evidence of innocence not previously presented, referral to court of original jurisdiction for review
Summary: The bill would create the Alabama Innocence Inquiry Commission to review new, credible evidence of factual innocence in capital cases and, if warranted, refer cases for court review, with a stay on executions while pending.
What This Bill Does
It creates the Alabama Innocence Inquiry Commission within the Administrative Office of Courts to investigate claims of factual innocence in capital cases. A person convicted of a capital crime can petition for a hearing to present credible, verifiable evidence of innocence not previously presented at trial. If the commission finds credible innocence, it can refer the case to the circuit court for further judicial review, potentially leading to relief. It also prevents setting an execution date for anyone whose case is pending before the commission.

Who It Affects
People convicted of capital crimes who claim factual innocence and seek review, as they can petition for hearings and possible judicial review based on new evidence.
Victims and their families, who must be notified of inquiries and may provide input during the commission's investigation.

Key Provisions
Provision 1: Establishes the Alabama Innocence Inquiry Commission within the Administrative Office of Courts, outlines its nine-member structure (including judges, prosecutors, defense counsel, a victim advocate, a member of the public, sheriffs, and lawmakers) and its independent, administrative support framework.
Provision 2: Allows the commission to review claims of factual innocence, and if at least five of the nine voting members find credible innocence, refers the case to a three-judge panel for an evidentiary hearing and potential relief; also imposes a stay on setting execution dates while the case is pending before the commission.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Innocence Inquiry Commission