SB51 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Death penalty repealed, Secs. 13A-5-39, 13A-5-43, 13A-5-44, 15-18-100 am'd; Secs. 13A-5-45 to 13A-5-53, inclusive, 13A-5-55, 13A-5-59, 15-18-80 to 15-18-86, inclusive, repealed

Summary

The bill repeals the death penalty in Alabama and converts death sentences to life imprisonment without parole.

What This Bill Does

It removes death as a possible punishment for capital offenses and replaces it with life imprisonment without parole. It eliminates the sentencing hearings and other procedures tied to the death penalty and repeals related statutes. Existing death sentences would be commuted to life without parole, and the act applies to sentences both before and after the effective date. The act would take effect immediately after the Governor signs.

Who It Affects

• Defendants convicted of capital offenses and death-row inmates would be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole instead of death.
• The Governor and the Board of Pardons and Paroles would handle commutations of existing death sentences and oversee pardons.

Key Provisions

• Repeals death penalty as a punishment for capital offenses and replaces it with life imprisonment without parole.
• Amends sections 13A-5-39, 13A-5-43, 13A-5-44, and 15-18-100 to remove death as an option and modify related definitions and procedures.
• Repeals Sections 13A-5-45 through 13A-5-53, 13A-5-55, 13A-5-59, and Sections 15-18-80 through 15-18-86, which cover sentencing and sentencing hearings for capital cases.
• Existing death sentences, whether imposed before or after the act's effective date, would be commuted to life imprisonment without parole.
• The act would take effect immediately after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

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

Subjects

Death Penalty