SB36 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris ElliottSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Crimes and offenses, crimes motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or physical or mental disability, to include employment as a law enforcement officer within the protected class, Sec. 13A-5-13 am'd.

Summary

SB 36 would add enhanced penalties for crimes motivated by the victim’s employment as a law enforcement officer.

What This Bill Does

It would apply tougher penalties when a crime against a law enforcement officer is proven to be motivated by the officer’s job. For felonies, the minimum sentences would be 15 years for Class A, 10 years for Class B, 2 years for Class C, and 18 months for Class D. For misdemeanors, the offender would face a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum of three months. The bill also notes that prior felony convictions could trigger additional penalties under the Habitual Felony Offender Act and discusses local-funding considerations under Amendment 621, but it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Criminal offenders who commit crimes against law enforcement officers would face higher, mandatory minimum sentences if the crime is shown to be motivated by the officer’s employment.
• Law enforcement officers would be protected by the law because crimes against them based on their employment could carry harsher penalties; local governments may be affected by funding considerations described in the constitutional provisions.

Key Provisions

• Adds enhanced penalties when a crime against a law enforcement officer is proven beyond a reasonable doubt to be motivated by the officer's employment.
• Felony minimums: Class A ≥ 15 years, Class B ≥ 10 years, Class C ≥ 2 years, Class D ≥ 18 months.
• Misdemeanor minimum: Class A misdemeanor with a minimum of three months.
• If the offender has prior felonies, enhanced punishment may apply under the Habitual Felony Offender Act.
• Acknowledges local-funding implications under Amendment 621 but states the bill is exempt from those requirements due to specified exceptions.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

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