HB 348 requires that individuals in Alabama who are undocumented (defined as "illegal aliens" under state law) and charged with violent offenses be held in custody without bail until a court conducts a pretrial hearing. At this hearing, the court must deny bail if no amount would reasonably ensure the defendant’s court appearance or protect public safety, and the bill establishes a legal presumption that undocumented immigrants are inherently likely to flee, which courts must give significant weight. The court must consider factors like the crime’s severity, community danger, and the defendant’s background, but the presumption of flight risk based solely on immigration status is a key factor. This law applies to all undocumented individuals charged with violent offenses as defined by Alabama law and takes effect on October 1, 2026.
HB 257 amends Alabama criminal law to strengthen protections for victims of sexual abuse, particularly children and vulnerable adults in custodial settings. It creates a new crime for sexual misconduct by staff in inpatient facilities (like hospitals), expands definitions of offenses like indecent exposure and directing children to engage in sexual acts to include younger victims, and adds voyeurism to the definition of "sex offense." Key changes include raising indecent exposure involving children under 12 to a felony, requiring mandatory reporting for certain offenses with stricter timelines, and allowing child statements to be used more readily in court. The bill directly affects law enforcement, healthcare facilities, and individuals accused of sexual crimes against minors or vulnerable adults.
HB 108 extends the time limit for victims to file civil lawsuits against the actual perpetrator of certain sex offenses. Currently, victims with disabilities (like minors) have six years after their disability ends to sue; this bill adds that victims can instead file within 20 years after disability ends or two years after the perpetrator’s criminal conviction, whichever is later. It also pauses the clock during ongoing criminal cases. The bill directly affects victims of sex offenses who were minors or had disabilities at the time of the offense, specifically when suing the alleged perpetrator. This change applies only to civil actions against the perpetrator, not other parties like employers.
SB 60 requires Alabama's Department of Corrections (DOC) to check for active arrest warrants against inmates at key stages: during intake, when considering work release, before parole board review, and 90 days before sentence completion. It also mandates the Board of Pardons and Paroles to check warrants when reviewing parole eligibility. If a warrant is found, the DOC must notify courts or prosecutors and arrange virtual court hearings for inmates (avoiding physical transport), per existing law. The bill directly affects inmates, DOC staff, parole boards, and law enforcement agencies. It becomes effective January 1, 2027.
HB 261 automatically expunges criminal records for individuals acquitted or having charges dismissed (with prejudice, no-bill by grand jury, or nolle prossed without conditions) without requiring a court petition. It applies to felony, misdemeanor, traffic, boating, or municipal violation cases where no new charges are filed within 14 days. The bill eliminates associated fees and ensures expunged records remain accessible only for related civil legal matters, with redaction after resolution. This changes current law by removing the need for defendants to file petitions, streamlining record clearance for those cleared of charges. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
This bill requires Alabama courts to automatically continue both criminal and civil cases when a party, their lead attorney, or a key witness is on active military duty. In criminal cases, courts must set bail for defendants when a continuance is granted due to military absence (except for violent offenses or capital charges). The bill also mandates that courts only proceed with a case if the absent party or attorney announces readiness for trial, and it requires the Alabama Supreme Court to update its rules to align with these changes. The law applies to all cases involving active-duty military members and takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 126 requires mandatory pretrial detention hearings without exception for defendants charged with either a Class A felony that resulted in death or attempted murder (pending constitutional amendment ratification). This changes current law by requiring prosecutors to always request denial of bail for these offenses, eliminating the court's ability to waive the hearing. The bill directly affects defendants facing these specific charges in Alabama courts, ensuring they remain detained until a hearing determines release conditions. It updates existing bail procedures to remove discretion for these serious offenses, while including minor technical code revisions. The bill does not change eligibility for bail in other cases.
SB 44 extends the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits related to child sexual abuse in Alabama. Survivors who were under 19 during the abuse can now file claims up to 20 years after turning 19 or two years after the perpetrator’s criminal conviction (whichever is later), instead of the current six-year window. The bill also revives time-barred claims filed by January 1, 2029, and removes barriers like notice requirements, damage caps, and immunity protections for claims involving abuse occurring on or after October 1, 2026. It applies to cases against perpetrators or negligent organizations (like schools or care facilities) that failed to prevent or address the abuse. This change aims to align legal timelines with the reality of delayed disclosures by survivors.
This bill streamlines Alabama's pretrial process for defendants charged with serious felonies (like murder, kidnapping, or rape). It requires courts to hold a single pretrial detention hearing within 10 days of arrest, which also satisfies the defendant's right to a preliminary hearing. Continuances (delays) are limited to 21 days unless both the prosecution and defense agree, and courts must document all proceedings. Appeals of detention decisions will go directly to the Court of Criminal Appeals.
SB 157 (Alabama) changes how law enforcement body-worn and dashboard camera footage is handled. Currently, such recordings can only be shared with people pictured or their personal representatives. This bill makes that footage a public record, meaning anyone can request it for inspection, subject to limited exceptions like ongoing investigations. Law enforcement agencies must respond to requests within 30 days or explain denials, and individuals denied access can appeal to a court. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.
