SB36 Summary

• Amends Section 13A-5-13, Code of Alabama 1975, to add employment as a law enforcement officer to the list of protected characteristics in hate crime sentencing enhancements.

• Requires enhanced criminal penalties when a crime is motivated by the victim's employment as a law enforcement officer, paralleling existing protections for race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, and disability.

• Establishes mandatory minimum sentences for motivated crimes: Class A felonies (minimum 15 years), Class B felonies (minimum 10 years), Class C felonies (minimum 2 years), Class D felonies (minimum 18 months), and misdemeanors (minimum 3 months as Class A misdemeanor).

• Allows previously convicted felons who receive enhanced sentences under this section to also be subject to enhanced punishment under the Alabama Habitual Felony Offender Act.

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