SB50 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 13A-5-13 to impose additional penalties for arson, burglary, or criminal mischief committed against religious property because of its religious character.

• Defines religious property as any church, religious cemetery, or other place of religious worship, including fixtures or religious objects contained within such places.

• Subjects offenders to the same enhanced hate crime penalties as crimes motivated by victim's race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or disability, including minimum sentences of 15 years for Class A felonies, 10 years for Class B felonies, and 2 years for Class C felonies.

• Applies to all three degrees of arson (first, second, and third degree), all three degrees of burglary (first, second, and third degree), and all three degrees of criminal mischief (first, second, and third degree).

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