SB156 Summary

• Creates Section 13A-5-9.2 allowing certain inmates serving habitual felony offender sentences to file motions for sentence reduction starting October 1, 2025, if convicted before May 26, 2000, and serving life without parole for offenses excluding homicide, sex crimes, attempted murder, or crimes causing serious physical injury.

• Establishes mandatory victim notification procedures requiring the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles to locate and notify victims named in indictments at least 30 days before any resentencing hearing, with victims having rights to testify, submit written statements, and have their objections given considerable weight by the court.

• Requires courts considering resentencing motions to evaluate the underlying offense, inmate's prison conduct, age-related criminal behavior research, likelihood of successful re-entry, firearm use, and victim input, but courts retain discretion to deny reduction or impose time-served sentences.

• Amends Section 15-22-36.2 to incorporate Section 13A-5-9.2 requirements into the statewide automated victim notification system and directs the Code Commissioner to distinguish between the three-member Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles and its Bureau executive staff in statutory references.

• Sunsets the resentencing provisions on October 1, 2030, and becomes effective October 1, 2025.