HB237 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matt SimpsonRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Sexual abuse, enhanced sentence for violation of sex abuse, created, Sec. 13A-6-67 am'd.

Summary

HB 237 creates an enhanced penalty for second-degree sexual abuse when the offender is at least 15 years older than a victim under 16.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 13A-6-67 to make the offense a Class C felony for sexual abuse in the second degree when the victim is under 16 and the offender is at least 15 years older (the scenario in (a)(2)). Other second-degree sexual abuse cases remain Class A misdemeanors, with Class C felonies applied for second or subsequent offenses within one year. The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after it is approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Victims under 16 years old who are involved in second-degree sexual abuse cases, as the penalties would be harsher for offenders 15+ years older.
• Offenders who are at least 19 years old and commit sexual contact with a minor under 16 (but older than 12) when the age difference is 15 years or more would face a Class C felony instead of a Class A misdemeanor.

Key Provisions

• Adds a Class C felony penalty for second-degree sexual abuse when the offender is at least 15 years older than the victim and the victim is under 16 (the (a)(2) scenario).
• Preserves existing penalties for other second-degree sexual abuse scenarios (e.g., (a)(1) offenses remain Class A misdemeanors; repeat offenses within one year can be Class C felony).
• Establishes the act’s effective date as the first day of the third month after Governor’s signature.

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