SB234 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act making it a Class A felony to acquire or maintain interest in any enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity or to conduct an enterprise through such patterns.

• Imposes criminal fines up to $60,000 or three times the pecuniary value gained from violations, with funds paid into the Criminal Organized Activity/RICO Fund.

• Authorizes courts to issue injunctions, order asset divestment, dissolve enterprises, and forfeit property used in or derived from racketeering activity.

• Allows injured persons to sue for three times actual damages plus punitive damages, attorney's fees, and investigation costs; provides for property forfeiture procedures and lien notices on real property and beneficial interests.

• Becomes effective the first day of the third month following passage and Governor approval, effective July 1, 2016 for acts of racketeering activity.