SB119 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

David SessionsSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Bail, in criminal cases, Section 16, Constitution of Alabama of 1901, am'd, const. amend.

Summary

SB 119 would add Aniah's Law to Alabama's constitution, allowing detention without bail for certain Class A felonies when there is clear evidence or a strong presumption of guilt and no release conditions can protect the public or ensure the defendant's presence at trial, while preserving bail for other cases.

What This Bill Does

It would change Section 16 of the Alabama Constitution to require bail with sufficient sureties for most pre-conviction cases; however, for Class A felonies where guilt is evident or presumed, if no release conditions can reasonably protect the community or ensure the defendant's appearance, the person may be detained without bail. It also states that excessive bail shall not be imposed. The amendment would be presented to voters for approval in an election.

Who It Affects

• People charged with Class A felonies before conviction who could be detained without bail if no safe release conditions exist.
• The broader Alabama community, as decisions about pretrial release and public safety may change based on whether detention without bail is permitted in the most serious cases.

Key Provisions

• Creates Aniah's Law by proposing an amendment to Section 16 of the Alabama Constitution to modify pre-conviction bail rules.
• Bail rules: all persons shall be bailed by sufficient sureties, except for Class A felonies when proof is evident or the presumption is great; if no conditions of release can reasonably protect the community or ensure presence at trial, the accused may be detained without bail.
• Excessive bail shall not be imposed in any case.
• An election is required for voters to approve the constitutional amendment, with described ballot language.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments