HB 195 Summary

• Amends Section 13A-5-13 of the Alabama Code to add sexual orientation and gender identity or expression as protected characteristics under hate crime law, alongside existing protections for race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, and physical or mental disability.

• Imposes mandatory minimum sentences for hate crimes based on felony classification: Class A felonies require minimum 15 years, Class B felonies require minimum 10 years, and Class C felonies require minimum 2 years when motivated by victim's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

• Elevates misdemeanor convictions motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity or expression to Class A misdemeanor status with a minimum 3-month sentence.

• Defines "sexual orientation" as heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality for purposes of the statute.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.