SB103 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Death penalty, moratorium on imposition and execution not to exceed three years, procedure for administering

Summary

SB 103 would pause the death penalty in Alabama for three years and require new fairness procedures before death sentences can be imposed or carried out.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill imposes a three-year moratorium on the imposition or execution of the death penalty. During the moratorium, it requires implementing procedures to ensure fair and impartial administration, including following ABA guidelines for defense counsel, strengthening post-conviction relief, eliminating race-based sentencing discrimination, and protecting mentally disabled or under-18 defendants from execution.

Who It Affects

• People who are facing a death sentence or have already been sentenced to death, who would not have death penalties imposed or carried out during the moratorium while these procedures are put in place.
• Defense lawyers in death penalty cases and the courts/state agencies involved in capital cases, who must apply the ABA guidelines and other due process procedures, and ensure protections for vulnerable defendants.

Key Provisions

• Three-year moratorium on imposition or execution of the death penalty.
• During the moratorium, implement procedures: (1) ABA Guidelines for defense counsel in death penalty cases; (2) due process procedures to preserve/enhance state post-conviction relief; (3) procedures to eliminate race-based discrimination in capital sentencing; (4) due process procedures to prevent executing mentally retarded persons and those under 18 at the time of the offense.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the 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

Death Penalty