Bill > HB11

This bill, known as Jolee's Law, amends Alabama's existing youthful offender statute to prohibit judges from granting youthful offender status to individuals who are 16 years of age or older and are charged with capital murder or murder. The bill modifies the current law, which previously allowed for more judicial discretion in determining whether a defendant could be tried as a youthful offender. Under the new provisions, individuals charged with these specific serious crimes must be charged, arrested, and tried as adults, with one exception: if the initial charge of capital or first-degree murder is later reduced to a lesser charge, the defendant may then become eligible for youthful offender status. The bill also maintains existing provisions requiring notice to victims and mandating an evidentiary hearing when a defendant is charged with a crime involving intentional serious physical injury or killing. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, and applies to individuals charged with crimes committed prior to reaching 21 years of age that were not initially disposed of in juvenile court.

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https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search