SB118 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Will BarfootSenator

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Bail; list of offenses ineligible for bail expanded; constitutional amendment

Summary

SB118 would amend Alabama's constitution to expand the list of offenses for which bail may be denied before conviction, adding firearm-related shooting into occupied spaces and any solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit such offenses.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the amendment would allow a judge to deny bail before conviction for additional offenses, specifically shooting or discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling or space, and any solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit murder. It keeps the rule that excessive bail should not be required. A statewide vote in 2026 would determine whether the amendment becomes part of the Constitution.

Who It Affects

• Defendants charged with shooting or discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling or other occupied space who could face bail denial before conviction under the new rules.
• Defendants charged with solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit murder (and other listed offenses) who could have bail denied under the expanded enumerated offenses.

Key Provisions

• Adds shooting or discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling or occupied space (Section 13A-11-61(b)) to the list of offenses for which a judge may deny bail before conviction.
• Adds any solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit murder to the list of offenses for which a judge may deny bail before conviction.
• Maintains that excessive bail shall not in any case be required.
• Calls for a statewide election in 2026 to approve the constitutional amendment and, if approved by a majority of voters, makes the amendment part of the Constitution.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments Statewide