AL HB59

Expands Alabama Code Section 13A-5-13 to include crimes motivated by a victim's employment as a law enforcement officer as a basis for enhanced criminal penalties, matching protections already provided for crimes motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or disability.

Establishes mandatory minimum sentences for hate crimes against law enforcement officers: 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 (Class A misdemeanor with minimum 3 months).

Requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the crime was motivated by the victim's employment as a law enforcement officer to trigger the enhanced penalties.

Exempts the bill from constitutional requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.