Crimes and procedure; domestic violence crimes, substantially revised; temporary holding periods and bond requirements, established; criminal penalties increased under certain conditions
HB 389 expands the definition of "domestic violence victim" to include children of household members who live with or visit the defendant. It establishes mandatory temporary holding periods for domestic violence arrests, requires specific bond conditions for released defendants, and increases penalties for third-degree domestic violence and strangulation offenses. The bill also adds factors for law enforcement to determine the "predominant aggressor" in mutual complaints, mandates specific victim notification language, prohibits polygraph exams for victims, and requires reporting of domestic violence incidents without arrests. These changes directly affect domestic violence victims, law enforcement officers, and courts in Alabama.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 5, 2026
Last action Apr 1, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Apr 1, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported Out of Committee House of Origin (Judiciary)
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Lower · Passed
Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Judiciary)
lower
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
No sponsor information available.
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