HB26 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 17, 2026

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 tighten supervision of adult sex offenders who committed offenses involving a child by restricting mail and internet access, requiring treatment and periodic polygraph testing as a condition of release, and creating new penalties for noncompliance.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes parole or probation officers to restrict an offender's use of a post office box or any electronic media that allows Internet access. It allows the Board of Pardons and Paroles or a court to require sex offender treatment as a condition of release, including periodic polygraph examinations. It makes violations of these restrictions or treatment requirements a Class C felony, and it lets the board adopt rules to implement the treatment provisions. The act becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects
Adult sex offenders convicted of a sex offense involving a child — may be restricted from using a post office box or electronic media and may be ordered to participate in sex offender treatment (including polygraphs); noncompliance or failure to participate could result in a Class C felony and costs for treatment/polygraphs may be assessed.
Parole/probation officers, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, and supervising courts — would impose and enforce these restrictions and treatment orders and issue related rules.

Key Provisions
Adds new sections 15-20A-19.01 and 15-20A-20.01 allowing restriction from post office boxes and electronic media for adult offenders whose sex offense involved a child, with violations a Class C felony.
Allows release conditions to require sex offender treatment and periodic polygraph examinations; sets rules for provider approval, payment of treatment/polygraph costs, and frequency of polygraphs.
Requires indigent offenders to have treatment/polygraph costs determined by the supervising entity; polygraph work must be done by licensed examiners with advanced certification and follow APA standards.
Amends 15-20A-44 to establish administrative hearing rules and to list offenses from other jurisdictions as criminal sex offenses; authorizes implementing rules by the Director of the Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Crimes & Offenses