HB227 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris SellsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Child abuse, aggravated, age of child raised to 14 years for purposes of charging with Class A felony, Sec. 26-15-3.1 am'd.

Summary

HB 227 would raise the penalty for aggravated child abuse to Class A felony when the victim is a child under 14.

What This Bill Does

The bill makes aggravated child abuse a Class A felony if the abuser harms or repeatedly abuses a child under the age of 14 or causes serious physical injury to such a child. Under current law, the Class A felony applies to abuse of children under six; this bill extends the higher penalty to children up to age 14. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Children under 14 would be eligible for the higher Class A felony penalties in cases of aggravated child abuse (repeated acts or serious injury).
• Offenders/parents, guardians, or other responsible persons who commit aggravated child abuse against a child under 14 would face tougher charges and penalties under the new standard.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 26-15-3.1 to make aggravated child abuse of a child under 14 a Class A felony.
• Preserves and extends the prior Class A penalty for aggravated child abuse to apply up to age 14 (instead of only under age 6).
• Section includes standard legal language about when the act becomes effective (first day of the third month after 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