SB70 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Greg AlbrittonSenator
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: SB 70 creates a new crime called aggravated fraud with specific money-thresholds and penalties, and it notes how it relates to Alabama’s local-funds rules.
What This Bill Does
It adds a new offense, aggravated fraud, defined by two theft thresholds: over $200,000 of private funds or over $100,000 of public funds obtained by deception. It explains what counts as deception and makes aggravated fraud a Class A felony. It also sets a six-year time limit for bringing charges that starts when the deception is discovered. The bill indicates it would interact with local-funds rules, but it is exempt from those requirements because it creates a new crime. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the bill is enacted.

Who It Affects
Individuals who commit aggravated fraud, because they could be charged and face Class A felony penalties if they deceive to steal large amounts.
State and local government agencies and holders of public funds, because theft of public funds over the specified amounts would be prosecutable under this new crime.

Key Provisions
Adds Section 13A-8-220 to create the crime of aggravated fraud.
Defines two thresholds: theft of private or domestic/investment funds over $200,000 obtained by deception; theft of public funds or government revenue over $100,000 obtained by deception.
Provides deception criteria (how deception is identified and proven).
Classifies aggravated fraud as a Class A felony.
Sets a six-year statute of limitations, starting from discovery of the deception.
Notes the bill is exempt from certain local-funds expenditure rules because it creates a new crime or amends an existing crime.
Specifies the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after 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: Crimes and Offenses