HB14 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to sentencing; to amend Section 13A-5-46, Code of Alabama 1975, to require a unanimous vote of a jury to impose a death sentence in a capital murder case; to add Section 13A-5-46.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for resentencing for certain defendants sentenced for capital murder; to repeal Section 13A-5-47.4, Code of Alabama 1975; to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

Summary

HB14 would require a unanimous jury to impose the death penalty in capital murder cases and create a new resentencing pathway, along with related repeal and technical updates.

What This Bill Does

Requires a unanimous jury verdict to impose a death sentence in capital murder cases; life-without-parole decisions remain subject to majority voting and the death verdict must be unanimous and written with the vote. Allows resentencing if a judge imposes a sentence different from the jury's advisory sentence and the death sentence was not unanimous, and repeals the existing resentencing provision for certain capital murder defendants. Creates a new Section 13A-5-46.1 to provide for resentencing of defendants sentenced before the act’s effective date, via petitions treated as authorized motions for modification, with rules to be adopted by the Administrative Office of Courts. Repeals Section 13A-5-47.1 and makes nonsubstantive technical revisions; it also notes the bill’s local-funds impact is addressed under the Alabama Constitution’s exceptions, with immediate effective date.

Who It Affects

• Capital murder defendants (including those facing death sentences or potentially eligible for resentencing) and their legal teams.
• The court system and local government entities involved in sentencing and resentencing, including juries, trial judges, the Administrative Office of Courts, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and affected local governments.

Key Provisions

• Amends 13A-5-46 to require a unanimous jury to impose a death sentence; life-imprisonment verdicts remain by majority, and death verdicts must be unanimous and written with the vote.
• Adds 13A-5-46.1 to provide for resentencing of defendants sentenced before the act’s effective date, upon petition treated as an authorized motion for modification; the Administrative Office of Courts will adopt implementing rules; no filing fee.
• Repeals 13A-5-47.1 and repeals existing resentencing provisions for certain capital murder defendants; includes nonsubstantive, technical updates to code language.
• Addresses the constitutional requirement related to local funds (Section 111.05, Constitution of 2022) by noting exemptions; the bill would have a local-funds impact but is exempt from approval requirements due to exceptions.
• Section 5 states the act becomes effective immediately following passage and approval by the Governor.

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