HB85 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim HillRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Crimes and offenses, to amend threshold amounts for theft of lost property offense, Secs. 13A-8-7, 13A-8-8, 13A-8-8.1, 13A-8-9 am'd.

Summary

HB 85 would raise the dollar thresholds for theft of lost property offenses and update the statute language, changing how these crimes are classified and punished.

What This Bill Does

It amends four sections to set new value thresholds for theft of lost property. Specifically, first degree theft of lost property now applies to property over $3,500 (Class B felony); second degree applies to $2,500 to $3,500 (Class C felony); third degree applies to $1,500 to $2,500 (Class D felony); and fourth degree applies to $1,500 or less (Class A misdemeanor). The bill also includes nonsubstantive technical revisions to update the code language. It notes that, although it changes criminal thresholds, it is exempt from certain local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines or amends a crime, with an effective date set for the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Individuals accused of theft of lost property, whose charges and penalties would be determined by the new value thresholds
• Law enforcement and prosecutors, who classify offenses and decide charges based on the revised thresholds

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 13A-8-7, 13A-8-8, 13A-8-8.1, and 13A-8-9 to update theft of lost property thresholds
• First degree theft of lost property: property value > $3,500 (Class B felony)
• Second degree theft of lost property: property value > $2,500 and ≤ $3,500 (Class C felony)
• Third degree theft of lost property: property value > $1,500 and ≤ $2,500 (Class D felony)
• Fourth degree theft of lost property: property value ≤ $1,500 (Class A misdemeanor)
• Includes nonsubstantive technical revisions to update language
• Exempts the act from local-funding expenditure requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines or amends a crime
• Effective date: first day of the third month following passage and governor approval

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses