SB176 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Will BarfootSenator

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Crimes and offenses; unlawful distribution of a controlled substance further provided for; unlawful sale of a controlled substance enhancements amended; unlawful distribution of marijuana created and penalties established

Summary

SB176 changes how Alabama treats distribution of controlled substances by creating a separate unlawful distribution of marijuana, reclassifying unlawful sale as a violent offense, excluding marijuana from the current unlawful distribution statute, and adding location-based penalties near schools and public housing.

What This Bill Does

It adds a distinct crime for unlawfully distributing marijuana with its own penalties. It makes unlawful sale of a controlled substance a violent offense, so it would not follow the presumptive sentencing guidelines. It also allows judges to impose an extra five-year penalty if distribution happened on or near a school campus or within three miles of public housing, and it updates the code language to current style.

Who It Affects

• Offenders convicted of unlawful distribution or selling of controlled substances (excluding marijuana) in Alabama, who could be reclassified as violent offenders and face location-based five-year penalties in certain cases.
• People who distribute marijuana, for whom a new unlawful distribution of marijuana offense with its own penalties is created.

Key Provisions

• Distinguishes unlawful selling of a controlled substance from furnishing/giving away/delivering; selling is treated as a violent offense, while furnishing/giving away/delivering are handled differently.
• Excludes marijuana from the unlawful distribution of a controlled substance statute and creates a new crime of unlawful distribution of marijuana with penalties (Class B felony).
• Adds sentencing enhancements: a judge may impose an additional five-year penalty if unlawful distribution occurred on a school campus or within three miles of a public housing project.
• Authorizes nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update code language to current style.
• Effective date October 1, 2025.

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

Subjects

Crimes & Offenses