This bill amends Section 15-18-8 of the Code of Alabama 1975, concerning the sentencing of offenders convicted of Class A or Class B felonies, excluding sex offenses involving a child. The amendment includes changes to the language and introduces new provisions for sentencing. Specifically, the bill replaces the word "constitutes" with "is" in reference to the classification of felonies. It also adds a new provision for defendants convicted of Class A, B, or C felonies with sentences greater than 20 years but not more than 30 years. For these cases, the bill mandates a minimum period of 10 years of confinement before the remainder of the sentence can be suspended and the defendant placed on probation, with the court not allowed to suspend or alter this minimum confinement period.

The bill further clarifies that the court retains jurisdiction to suspend the remaining minimum sentence and place the defendant on probation, and it outlines the responsibilities of the defendant while incarcerated or on probation, including paying fines, making restitution, and providing support for dependents. The bill also specifies that defendants serving a minimum period of confinement are not eligible for parole or sentence deductions during that period, but may be eligible for such benefits after serving the minimum period. The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 15-18-8
Engrossed: 15-18-8