HB68 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris SellsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Capital crimes, aggravating circumstances if victim of a capital offense was a law enforcement or correctional officer, Sec. 13A-5-49 am'd.

Summary

HB68 expands aggravating circumstances for capital offenses by including victims who were law enforcement officers or prison guards, or who were under 14 years old.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill changes the law to treat crimes against police or prison staff as more serious when determining punishment in capital cases. It adds that victims under 14 also qualify for these aggravating circumstances. It also explains that, although the bill would require local funds, it is exempt from Amendment 621 requirements because it amends the crime definition, and it would become law on the first day of the third month after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Law enforcement officers and prison or jail guards as victims, making offenses against them potentially subject to stronger penalties in capital cases.
• Victims under 14 years of age, making offenses against them potentially subject to stronger penalties in capital cases.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-5-49 to add as aggravating circumstances: the victim was a law enforcement officer or prison/jail guard, or the victim was under 14 years old.
• States that the bill is exempt from Amendment 621 local-funding requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after 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

Crimes and Offenses