HB178 Summary

• Proposes amendment to Alabama Constitution Section 124 to modify the Governor's power to grant reprieves and commutations to persons under sentence of death.

• Requires the Governor to take reasonable steps to notify the Attorney General and victim family members (whose contact information is provided by the Attorney General) before granting a commutation or reprieve.

• Allows victim family members entitled to notice to challenge a commutation or reprieve as a violation by filing a civil action in Montgomery County Circuit Court within 30 days of the Governor's grant.

• Provides that if the court finds a violation of the notice requirement, the court shall void the commutation and enjoin the Governor from granting the inmate a commutation or reprieve until proper notice is provided.

• Amendment becomes effective upon approval by a majority of qualified electors voting in a statewide election conducted according to state law.