HB76 is a legislative bill that seeks to amend the Code of Alabama 1975 by expanding the definition of family members who can be considered victims of domestic violence to include grandparents, step-grandparents, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren. This expansion applies to domestic violence in the first, second, and third degrees. The bill also clarifies the meaning of a "dating relationship" as a current or former romantic or intimate relationship with an expectation of affectionate or sexual involvement. It outlines the penalties for domestic violence offenses, with varying degrees of severity based on the classification of the felony or misdemeanor, and includes provisions for offenses committed in the presence of a child under 14 or involving the violation of a protection order.

The bill revises the definitions section by removing the word "shall" and adding the new categories of individuals who can be considered victims of abuse. It also indicates that the bill will result in new or increased expenditure of local funds due to the definition of a new crime or the amendment of an existing crime. HB76 is set to become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or if it becomes law without the Governor's signature. The bill was passed by the House on April 27, 2023, and by the Senate on May 31, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13A-6-130, 13A-6-131, 13A-6-132
Enrolled: 13A-6-130, 13A-6-131, 13A-6-132, 13A-6-138, 30-5-2