HB59 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris SellsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Capital offenses, aggravating circumstances if victim was a law enforcement or correctional officer, first responder, or under 14 years of age, Secs. 13A-5-40, 13A-5-49 am'd.

Summary

HB59 makes murder of first responders a capital offense and adds related aggravating sentencing factors.

What This Bill Does

It designates murder of a first responder as a capital offense and expands the list of capital offenses to include such cases. It adds aggravating circumstances for sentencing when the victim was a law enforcement officer, a prison or jail guard, or a first responder. It clarifies that a 'first responder' includes emergency medical services personnel and firefighters. The act notes that implementing these changes could require new or increased local funding.

Who It Affects

• First responders (police, sheriff, deputy, state/federal officers, prison/jail guards, EMS personnel, firefighters, and volunteer firefighters) as potential murder victims that trigger capital offenses and enhanced sentencing.
• Local governments and taxpayers who may incur higher costs to implement and fund the new laws.

Key Provisions

• Adds murder of a first responder operating in official capacity as a capital offense (now included in §13A-5-40(a)(21)).
• Defines 'first responder' to include EMS personnel and firefighters/volunteer firefighters.
• Adds aggravating circumstances for capital offenses when the victim is a police officer, sheriff/deputy, state/federal officer, prison/jail guard, or a first responder.
• Notes the act may require new or increased local funds under Amendment 621 and sets its effective date as 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