SB477 Summary

• Eliminates mandatory life without parole sentence for defendants convicted of a Class A felony with three prior felony convictions; authorizes judges discretion to sentence to either life or life without parole when defendant has no prior Class A convictions.

• Changes penalty for trafficking in specified quantities of certain illegal drugs from mandatory life without parole to mandatory life with possibility of parole.

• Applies changes to trafficking offenses involving cannabis, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, amphetamine, phencyclidine, lysergic acid diethylamide, methaqualone, hydromorphone, and controlled substance analogs at various quantity thresholds.

• Maintains mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking ranging from 3 to 25 calendar years depending on drug type and quantity, along with associated fines.

• Takes effect immediately upon passage and gubernatorial approval; excluded from local funding requirements under Alabama constitutional amendment.