The 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 a new provision for sentencing. Specifically, the bill changes the word "constitutes" to "is" in reference to the classification of felonies and adds a new subsection that allows for a minimum period of confinement of 10 years for defendants convicted of Class A, B, or C felonies with sentences greater than 20 years but not more than 30 years. This new provision mandates that the minimum period of confinement cannot be suspended or altered by the court.

Additionally, the bill outlines the conditions under which probation may be granted and the responsibilities of the defendant during probation, including the payment of fines, restitution, and support for dependents. It also specifies that the court retains jurisdiction to suspend the remaining minimum sentence and place the defendant on probation. The bill clarifies that defendants serving a minimum period of confinement are not eligible for parole or sentence deductions under the Alabama Correctional Incentive Time Act during that period. The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2024, and has passed the House of Representatives with 60 yeas, 34 nays, and 5 abstentions.

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