SB413 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg AlbrittonSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Grand jury, prohibit polygraph evidence before grand jury, Sec. 12-16-200 am'd.

Summary

SB 413 would ban polygraph evidence from grand jury proceedings in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

It would make any evidence derived from a polygraph exam, including the fact that a person took a polygraph, inadmissible in grand jury proceedings. It preserves the rule that grand juries can only receive evidence from witnesses and legally obtained documents. The bill takes effect on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the governor.

Who It Affects

• Grand juries and their proceedings, which will be limited to witness testimony and legal documents with no polygraph-related material.
• Prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses, and others who present or challenge evidence in grand jury proceedings, who may not use or reference polygraph results or testing.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits any evidence derived from a polygraph examination, including the results and the fact that a person took a polygraph, from being admissible in grand jury proceedings.
• Restates that grand juries can receive only evidence from witnesses before them or legal documentary evidence, with witnesses examined as to offenses within their knowledge, but not related to polygraphs.
• Establishes the act's effective date: it becomes law on the first day of the third month following passage and governor's 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

Grand Jury