SB338 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Sections 13A-8-16 through 13A-8-19 to establish specific criminal penalties for receiving, retaining, or disposing of stolen firearms.

• Creates a new offense for receiving a stolen firearm not exceeding $500 in value as a Class D felony under Section 13A-8-18.1, and establishes a Class C felony for repeat offenders receiving stolen firearms under $500 after prior conviction.

• Establishes prima facie evidence standards for knowledge of stolen property, including possession on two or more separate occasions within a year, possession of recently stolen goods, or regularly handling similar property without reasonable inquiry into legality.

• Reorganizes and clarifies the degrees of receiving stolen property offenses: First degree (exceeding $2,500), Second degree ($1,500-$2,500 or certain circumstances), Third degree ($500-$1,499 or stolen firearms), and Fourth degree (not exceeding $500).

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and gubernatorial approval; excluded from Amendment 621 local funding restrictions because it defines a new crime or amends existing crime definitions.