AL HB70

Allows defendants sentenced to death in capital murder cases to petition for resentencing if a jury recommended life imprisonment without parole but the judge overruled that recommendation (judicial override) prior to June 1, 2026

Applies to sentences imposed under the law in effect before April 11, 2017, when Alabama eliminated judicial override and required judges to follow jury sentencing verdicts in capital cases

Petitions must be filed with the sentencing court using forms established by the Administrative Office of Courts, with no filing fee required

District attorneys must receive copies of petitions and have the opportunity to be heard; victims registered in the automated notification system must be notified when defendants are found eligible for resentencing

Repeals existing Section 13A-5-47.1 of the Code of Alabama and takes effect October 1, 2026