HB57 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris SellsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Aggravated fraud, provide for the crime of, commercial law and consumer protection, securities, crimes and offenses, theft, Sec. 13A-8-220 added

Summary

HB57 creates the crime of aggravated theft by deception, sets its penalties and procedures, updates parole/probation rules related to it, and adds it to the list of moral turpitude offenses that can disqualify voting.

What This Bill Does

It defines aggravated theft by deception with two value thresholds (over $200,000 for funds/assets and over $100,000 for public funds) obtained by deception, makes it a felony with 5–30 years in prison and up to a $60,000 fine, and sets a six-year statute of limitations after discovery. It also amends parole and probation laws to impose stricter consequences for violations related to this offense, potentially including limited confinement (up to 45 days per violation) and required guidelines, plus expanded processing for violations. Additionally, it adds aggravated theft by deception to the list of felonies involving moral turpitude that can disqualify a person from voting, and it specifies the act becomes effective three months after passage.

Who It Affects

• Criminal offenders and individuals under supervision (including parolees and probationers): face a new aggravated theft by deception crime with specific monetary thresholds, stiffer sentencing, and new or enhanced rules for parole and probation violations.
• Voters with certain felony convictions: may be disqualified from voting if convicted of aggravated theft by deception, as it is added to the list of moral turpitude offenses.

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 13A-8-2.1 to define aggravated theft by deception with two thresholds ($200,000 for funds/assets; $100,000 for public funds) and requires deception; establishes a 6-year statute of limitations starting at discovery; and sets 5–30 years’ imprisonment with fines up to $60,000, plus authority to charge attempts or conspiracies as if completed.
• Amends parole and probation laws to restrict discharge from parole if the offender committed aggravated theft by deception or a violent offense, and to establish new supervision and sanction mechanisms for probation violations (including possible confinement up to 45 days per violation, with detailed procedures and safeguards), as well as adding aggravated theft by deception to the felony moral turpitude voting disqualification list; effective date is the first day of the third month after passage.

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