HB 389 Alabama House · 2026 Regular Session

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

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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

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