SB59 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Bail, criminal cases, const. amend

Summary

SB 59 would amend the Alabama Constitution to ensure reasonable bail for all individuals charged with a crime before conviction, with some offenses and rules to be listed by the Legislature.

What This Bill Does

It requires reasonable bail for all people charged with a crime before conviction, with a capital offenses exception when the proof is evident or the presumption of guilt is great. It maintains that excessive bail cannot be required, except for offenses enumerated by the Legislature through general law. The Legislature would have the power to list which offenses are subject to these general-law exceptions. The amendment would be decided by a statewide election before taking effect.

Who It Affects

• Individuals charged with crimes in Alabama — would gain a constitutional right to reasonable bail before conviction, subject to capital-offense exceptions and legislature-listed offenses that may modify the rule.
• Legislature and courts — would determine and apply which offenses are enumerated by general law and interpret what counts as 'reasonable bail' under the amended rule.

Key Provisions

• Proposes a constitutional amendment to Section 16 of the Alabama Constitution to require reasonable bail prior to conviction for all individuals, with exceptions for capital offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption of guilt is great; and to prohibit excessive bail except for offenses enumerated by the Legislature by general law.
• Requires a statewide election to approve the amendment, including ballot description and wording, with the amendment becoming valid if a majority of qualified electors vote in favor.

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