HB544 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Neil RaffertyRepresentative

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Adline ClarkeLaura HallRolanda Hollis

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Death penalty repealed, Secs. 13A-5-39, 13A-5-43, 13A-5-44, 15-18-100 am'd; Secs. 13A-5-45 to 13A-5-53, inclusive, 13A-5-55, 13A-5-59, 15-18-80 to 15-18-86, inclusive, repealed

Summary

HB544 would repeal the death penalty in Alabama and replace it with life imprisonment options for capital offenses.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill removes death as a possible punishment for capital offenses and replaces it with life imprisonment, with or without the possibility of parole, depending on age at the time of the offense. Adults would be sentenced to life imprisonment (with or without parole) under revised sentencing provisions, while defendants who were under 18 at the time of the offense would be limited to life imprisonment options determined by specified procedures and mitigating circumstances, with a minimum 30-year term before parole consideration for life sentences. The bill also repeals the death-penalty statutes and related sentencing provisions, aligning the law with a life-sentence framework, and it would take effect immediately after the Governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects

• Defendants convicted of capital offenses: no longer face the death penalty; they would be sentenced to life imprisonment with or without parole depending on age and the new provisions.
• The justice system and related state agencies (courts, juries, prosecutors, Board of Pardons and Paroles, Governor): would adjust to the new sentencing framework, with death-penalty statutes repealed and changes to sentencing procedures and parole considerations.

Key Provisions

• Death penalty is repealed as a punishment for capital offenses.
• Capital offenses would be punishable by life imprisonment with or without parole, with age-based distinctions for those under 18 at the time of the offense.
• For defendants under 18, the sentence is life with or without parole determined by specified procedures, with the judge considering mitigating circumstances and allowing a judge-led process without a jury in some cases; life sentences require a minimum of 30 years before parole consideration.
• Repeals Sections 13A-5-45 through 13A-5-53, 13A-5-55, 13A-5-59, and 15-18-80 to 15-18-86; amends Sections 13A-5-39, 13A-5-43, 13A-5-44, and 15-18-100; and the act becomes effective immediately upon passage and the Governor's 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

Death Penalty