Bill > SB25

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. Currently, individuals charged with crimes committed before age 21 can be investigated and potentially tried as youthful offenders, which typically provides more rehabilitative and less punitive treatment. The bill adds a specific provision that individuals 16 and older charged with capital murder or murder must be charged, arrested, and tried as adults, with one exception: if the initial charge is later reduced to a lesser charge, the individual may then become eligible for youthful offender status. The bill also maintains existing provisions requiring victim notification and an evidentiary hearing when serious physical injury or intentional killing is involved. Additionally, the bill specifies that failure to provide victim rights does not automatically invalidate case dispositions. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, giving time for legal systems and stakeholders to prepare for the change.

Justice

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