HB76 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Death penalty, abolished

Summary

HB76 would abolish the death penalty in Alabama by amending the state constitution and requiring laws to prohibit it.

What This Bill Does

If passed, it would ban death sentences for all crimes in Alabama. It would require the Legislature to pass general laws to prohibit the death penalty and would void any existing laws that authorize death penalties. If voters approve in the 2028 statewide primary, the amendment would become part of the Alabama Constitution. The Code Commissioner would insert the amendment into the constitution and may perform minor formatting updates.

Who It Affects

• People charged with or convicted of crimes that could involve the death penalty would no longer be eligible for a death sentence.
• The Alabama Legislature and state agencies (courts, prosecutors, and corrections) would implement and enforce the new prohibition and adjust related laws and procedures.

Key Provisions

• No crime shall be punishable by death.
• The Legislature, by general law, shall prohibit the death penalty for the commission of any crime.
• Any general law authorizing death sentences shall be void.
• An election will be held in 2028 to vote on the amendment; if approved by a majority of qualified electors, the amendment becomes part of the Constitution.
• The Code Commissioner shall number and place the amendment in the Constitution and may perform nonsubstantive revisions.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments Statewide