SB433 - Alabama Street Gang Act Summary

• Establishes the Alabama Street Gang Act, defining criminal street gangs as organizations of three or more persons engaged in a pattern of criminal activity, with membership determined by at least two of seven criteria including self-proclamation, witness testimony, tattoos, clothing, or other gang indicators.

• Creates three new crimes: participating in a criminal syndicate (Class B felony, or Class A if involving minors), compelling street gang membership through threats or harm (Class C felony, or Class A if defendant is over 18 and victim under 18), and assisting a criminal syndicate (Class C felony, or Class B if gang-related).

• Prohibits carrying or distributing graffiti implements (spray paint cans, broad-tipped markers) with intent to create graffiti, with penalties ranging from Class A misdemeanor to Class B felony depending on damage amount ($2,500+ threshold); includes restitution requirements and community service for minors.

• Amends Section 13A-5-49 to add intentional killing by an active criminal street gang member as an aggravating circumstance for imposing the death penalty when the murder furthers gang activities.

• Repeals prior Section 13A-6-26 relating to compelling street gang membership and becomes effective three months after passage.