HB273 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

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

Summary

HB 273 would pause the death penalty in Alabama for three years and require fairness procedures before death sentences are imposed or carried out.

What This Bill Does

It imposes a three-year moratorium on the imposition or execution of the death penalty. During the moratorium, it requires implementing certain procedures to ensure cases are handled fairly and impartially, including following ABA guidelines for defense counsel, improving state post-conviction relief processes, preventing racial discrimination in sentencing, and protecting individuals with intellectual disabilities from execution. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Death penalty defendants in Alabama would face a three-year pause on new death sentences and executions.
• Defense attorneys handling death penalty cases would be required to follow the American Bar Association guidelines referenced in the bill.
• The state's post-conviction relief processes would be enhanced to protect due process in death penalty cases.
• Sentencing decisions could be affected by new procedures aimed at eliminating racial discrimination in capital sentencing (based on victim or defendant's race).
• Individuals with intellectual disabilities would receive protections to prevent execution under the due process measures.

Key Provisions

• Three-year moratorium on the imposition or execution of the death penalty.
• During the moratorium, implement the American Bar Association Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases.
• Establish due process procedures to preserve and enhance state post-conviction relief in death sentence cases.
• Establish procedures to eliminate discrimination in capital sentencing based on the race of the victim or the defendant.
• Establish due process procedures to prevent the execution of persons with intellectual disabilities.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following 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