HB169 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Law enforcement agencies, sex offenses, to preserve and retain all evidence of commission of the offense until case has been resolved

Summary

The bill would require Alabama law enforcement to preserve all evidence in sex offense cases until the case is resolved.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, any law enforcement agency investigating a sex offense must preserve and retain all evidence of the offense until the case is resolved. The bill defines 'resolved' as a guilty plea, conviction, acquittal, or a dismissal with prejudice after all appeals are finished. It applies to offenses defined by Section 15-20A-5 of the Alabama Code. It becomes law on the first day of the third month after it is approved or becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Law enforcement agencies that investigate sex offenses must retain all evidence until resolution
• People charged with sex offenses (defendants) whose cases will have evidence kept until resolution

Key Provisions

• Section 1(a): Requires any law enforcement agency investigating a sex offense to preserve and retain all evidence of the offense until the case is resolved.
• Section 1(b): Defines 'resolved' as guilty plea, conviction, acquittal, or dismissal with prejudice after all appeals are exhausted.
• Section 2: Establishes the effective date as the first day of the third month after the bill's passage and approval by the Governor (or becoming law).

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

Subjects

Law Enforcement Agencies