HB161 Summary

• Amends Section 13A-5-49 of the Alabama Code to add three new aggravating circumstances for capital offenses.

• Makes it an aggravating circumstance if the victim was a law enforcement officer, state trooper, federal law enforcement officer, or prison/jail guard who was on duty, regardless of whether the defendant knew of the victim's status.

• Makes it an aggravating circumstance if the victim was a first responder (including emergency medical services personnel licensed by Alabama Department of Public Health, firefighters, or volunteer firefighters) operating in an official capacity during an emergency response where life or limb was threatened.

• Makes it an aggravating circumstance if the victim was less than 14 years of age.

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