HB26 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mack N. ButlerRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Sex offenders; restrictions for certain sex offenders further provided, Board of Pardons and Paroles authorized to adopt rules

Summary

HB26 would restrict certain adult sex offenders involving a child from using mail and internet-enabled devices, require treatment as a condition of release, and let the Board adopt rules to enforce these changes.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds rules that allow a parole or probation officer to prohibit a sex offender who offended against a child from using a post office box or any electronic media with internet access. It also allows a court or the Board to require sex offender treatment as a condition of release, including periodic polygraph exams. Violating these restrictions or treatment requirements would be a Class C felony, and non-indigent offenders would have to pay treatment and polygraph costs; the Board may adopt rules to implement these provisions. The act becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Adult sex offenders convicted of a sex offense involving a child, who may be restricted from using a PO box or internet-enabled devices and may be ordered to treatment including polygraphs
• Parole/probation officers, boards, and courts who enforce restrictions, set treatment requirements, and approve treatment providers
• Treatment providers and supervising entities (courts/boards) responsible for administering treatment, determining costs, and coordinating polygraph exams

Key Provisions

• Adds 15-20A-19.01: allows restrictions on PO boxes and internet-enabled media for adult sex offenders involving a child by parole/probation officers; violations are Class C felonies.
• Adds 15-20A-20.01: permits release conditions requiring sex offender treatment and periodic polygraph exams; requires prior approval to change treatment providers; offender costs for treatment and polygraphs unless indigent; polygraphs by licensed examiners with specific certification; examinations frequency and purpose defined.
• Treatment program rules: Board of Pardons and Paroles or a court may require treatment and determine frequency of polygraphs; indigent status affects cost payment.
• Amends 15-20A-44: authorizes rules and listings for offenses from other jurisdictions to be treated as criminal sex offenses under this chapter; limits administrative hearings for those subjects.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 3, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes & Offenses