HB10 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Phillip PettusRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Juvenile offenders, delinquent acts for purposes of juvenile proceedings further provided for

Summary

HB10 changes which acts count as delinquent acts for juveniles by removing most nonfelony and water-safety offenses for 14- and 15-year-olds from juvenile delinquency proceedings.

What This Bill Does

It amends the definition of delinquent act to exclude nonfelony offenses and water-safety offenses committed by a 14- or 15-year-old from being considered delinquent acts for juvenile proceedings, with the exception of driving under the influence or operating a vessel under the influence. The bill also provides detailed definitions for key terms used in juvenile law to support the changes. It becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Juvenile offenders aged 14–15 who commit nonfelony offenses or water-safety offenses will generally not have those acts treated as delinquent acts in juvenile court (DUI or vessel-influence offenses remain potentially delinquent).
• The juvenile justice system and related agencies (juvenile court, law enforcement, intake officers, guardians ad litem, prosecutors) will adjust classifications and handling of these offenses to reflect the new definitions and carve-out starting October 1, 2026.

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: Amends Section 12-15-102 to carve out nonfelony offenses and water-safety offenses committed by a child aged 14 or 15 from being a delinquent act for purposes of juvenile proceedings, with exceptions for driving under the influence or operation of a vessel while under the influence.
• Provision 2: Establishes and updates numerous definitions used in juvenile law (including terms such as 'Child', 'Delinquent Act', 'Child in Need of Supervision', 'Intake Officer', 'Guardian Ad Litem', 'Secure Custody', etc.) to support the revised framework.
• Provision 3: Sets the act to become effective on October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Courts & Judges