Senate Bill 70 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Sam GivhanSenator
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Crimes and offenses; sex offenses involving a child; crime of transmitting obscene material to a child by computer, further provided for
Summary: SB70 expands Alabama's crime of transmitting obscene material to a child by computer to include transmissions to someone the sender believes is a child, with adult prosecution and non-expungement provisions, effective October 1, 2026.
What This Bill Does
The bill broadens the offense to cover sending obscene material via any computer system to a person the sender believes is a child, in addition to sending to an actual child. It continues to cover material depicting nudity, sexual conduct, or sadomasochistic acts for the purpose of initiating or engaging in sexual acts. It defines a 'child' as someone under 17 and sets that the crime can be committed in Alabama if the transmission originates or is received in the state. Anyone charged under this section would be tried as an adult, and the record would not be sealed or eligible for expungement; the offense remains a Class B felony.

Who It Affects
Children under 17 in Alabama who could be targeted or exposed to obscene material by online transmissions.
People who transmit obscene material by computer (potentially adults) who could be charged under the expanded law and face an adult trial and a permanent record.

Key Provisions
Expands the offense to include transmissions to a person the sender believes is a child, not just a real child.
Defines 'child' as under 17 years old.
Jurisdiction rule: offense occurs in Alabama if transmission originates or is received in Alabama.
Charged individuals must be tried as adults; the case record shall not be sealed nor expunged.
Classification: violation is a Class B felony.
Effective date: October 1, 2026.

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