Senate Bill 318 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Crime of sexual torture; criminal elements revised

Summary

SB318 expands Alabama's crime of sexual torture to cover more acts and victims, designating it as a Class A felony with an effective date of October 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

It adds new acts to the crime, including penetration of the penile opening and touching of the breast or scrotum with an inanimate object or through forcible compulsion, with the intent to sexually torture, abuse, or gratify. It also covers acts against a person who cannot consent due to incapacity, and acts involving a minor under 12 by an older person (16+) or other scenarios that injure the sex organs or intimate parts for sexual purposes. The offense remains a Class A felony.

Who It Affects

• Potential victims: people who could be subjected to the broader sexual torture definitions (including adults via force or object use, incapacitated individuals, and minors under 12).
• Potential offenders: individuals who would commit sexual torture under the expanded criteria (using force, exploiting incapacity, or targeting the sex organs).

Key Provisions

• Expands the sexual torture elements to include penile opening penetration and touching of the breast or scrotum with an inanimate object or under forcible compulsion, with intent to sexually torture, abuse, or gratify.
• Adds new victim scenarios and penalties: incapacitated victims, minors under 12 with a 16-year-old or older offender, and acts causing injury to sex organs or intimate parts; all such acts are Class A felonies with an October 1, 2026 effective date.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 19, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes & Offenses