AL HB226

Amends Alabama's habitual offender law (Section 13A-5-9) to clarify that nolo contendere pleas, no contest pleas, best interests pleas, and Alford pleas count as prior convictions for enhanced sentencing purposes

Prior convictions from both in-state and out-of-state are included when determining habitual offender status

Exception provided: these alternative pleas do not count as prior convictions if they have been expunged

Passed the Alabama House unanimously (105-0) on February 10, 2026

Effective date: October 1, 2026