The bill, HB100, introduces significant amendments to the Code of Alabama 1975, particularly by adding Section 13A-5-14, which establishes enhanced penalties for crimes committed against election officials motivated by their official duties. Under this new provision, individuals convicted of such crimes will face increased sentences, with minimum penalties ranging from 15 years for Class A felonies to three months for misdemeanors. Additionally, defendants with prior felony convictions who receive enhanced sentences will be subject to the Alabama Habitual Felony Offender Act. The bill also amends Section 17-3-30.1, the Felony Voter Disqualification Act, to clarify the definition of felonies involving moral turpitude that disqualify individuals from voting, specifying offenses such as capital murder, aggravated stalking, and various forms of domestic violence.

Moreover, HB100 updates the language regarding voting disqualification, changing "a person" to "an individual" and ensuring that only the felonies listed in the bill can lead to disqualification. The bill removes the previous provision that allowed for the addition of more felonies to the disqualification list without an amendment, thereby tightening the criteria for voting disqualification based on felony convictions. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2024. Overall, HB100 aims to enhance protections for election officials while providing clearer guidelines on voting rights related to felony convictions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17-3-30
Engrossed: 17-3-30
Enrolled: 17-3-30