Alabama 2024 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB182

Introduced
2/29/24  
Introduced
2/29/24  

Caption

Capital Murder; sentence further provided for; resentence in certain circumstances

Impact

The introduction of SB182 is expected to have far-reaching effects on capital murder sentencing laws in the state. It addresses a critical area of contention regarding the fairness and reliability of juror decisions in death penalty cases. Proponents of the bill argue that requiring a unanimous decision ensures a higher standard of proof before imposing the most severe punishment. Meanwhile, the proposal for resentencing certain defendants if their previous death sentence was not unanimously decided underscores an effort to rectify potential injustices in past rulings, thus enhancing the legal system's integrity.

Summary

SB182 is a legislative proposal that seeks to amend laws surrounding the sentencing of capital murder cases in Alabama. Specifically, the bill mandates that a death sentence must be determined by a unanimous vote of the jurors, aligning the requirement for death sentences to a stricter standard compared to the previous law, which allowed a minimum of 10 jurors to impose such a sentence. Additionally, the bill proposes that a majority vote of the jury is sufficient to impose a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This change reflects a significant shift in how Alabama approaches capital punishment and life sentences.

Contention

Despite its intentions, SB182 is likely to spark considerable debate among lawmakers and the public. Supporters view the bill as a necessary reform that aligns Alabama's capital sentencing laws with evolving national standards regarding the death penalty. Conversely, critics may argue that it complicates the judicial process and poses challenges for cases that have already proceeded under previous laws. Moreover, the potential for resentencing could raise concerns about the implications for victims' families and the judicial backlog in handling these cases.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL SB216

Relating to sentencing; the amend Sections 13A-5-46 and 13A-5-47, Code of Alabama 1975, to require a unanimous vote of a jury to impose a death sentence in a capital murder case; to require a majority vote of a jury to impose a sentence of life imprisonment without parole; to add Sections 13A-5-46.1 and 13A-5-47.2 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for resentencing for certain defendants sentenced for capital murder; to repeal Section 13A-5-47.1, Code of Alabama 1975; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style.

AL HB29

Sentencing, habitual felony offenders sentencing further provided for; resentence in certain circumstances

AL HB14

Relating to sentencing; to amend Section 13A-5-46, Code of Alabama 1975, to require a unanimous vote of a jury to impose a death sentence in a capital murder case; to add Section 13A-5-46.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for resentencing for certain defendants sentenced for capital murder; to repeal Section 13A-5-47.4, Code of Alabama 1975; to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

AL HB229

Relating to sentencing; to add Section 13A-5-14 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to provide that an individual sentenced pursuant to the habitual felony offender law may be resentenced in certain circumstances; and to provide for the repeal of this section in five years.

AL SB94

Recall and resentencing: special circumstances.

AL SB600

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence for murder, murder of unborn child and murder of law enforcement officer; in arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction, further providing for the offense of arson and related offenses; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree.

AL SB156

Sentencing; habitual felony offender act, resentencing procedures, established

AL SB481

Sentencing: special circumstances.

AL HB999

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence for murder, murder of unborn child and murder of law enforcement officer; in arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction, further providing for the offense of arson and related offenses; in jurisdiction of appellate courts, further providing for direct appeals from courts of common pleas; in post-trial matters, further providing for postconviction DNA testing and for disposition and appeal; in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree; and, in execution procedure and method, repealing provisions relating to issuance of warrant.

AL HB888

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence for murder, murder of unborn child and murder of law enforcement officer; in arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction, further providing for the offense of arson and related offenses; in jurisdiction of appellate courts, further providing for direct appeals from courts of common pleas; in post-trial matters, further providing for postconviction DNA testing and for disposition and appeal; in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree; and, in execution procedure and method, repealing provisions relating to issuance of warrant.

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CA SB1023

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CA SB481

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DE SB118

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CA AB2211

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DE HB70

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AZ SB1473

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