Bill > HB49

This bill modifies Alabama's criminal code to enhance penalties and expand capital offenses related to rape, sodomy, and sexual crimes against minors. Specifically, the bill adds two new categories to the list of capital offenses: rape in the first degree when the victim is under 12 years old, and sodomy in the first degree when the victim is under 12 years old. The bill also updates language throughout the code to be more gender-inclusive by adding "or her" to various sections. For offenses involving victims under 12, the bill mandates that defendants sentenced to life must serve a minimum of 30 years before being eligible for parole. Additional changes include minor grammatical updates and technical corrections to sections defining rape, sodomy, and sexual torture. The modifications aim to provide stronger legal protections for young victims and ensure more stringent sentencing for serious sexual crimes against children. The bill is set to become effective on October 1, 2025, and was passed by the Alabama House of Representatives with 86 votes in favor, 5 against, and 9 abstentions.