The bill introduces a new section, 13A-5-14, to the Code of Alabama 1975, which imposes increased penalties for crimes committed against election officials, motivated by their role in elections. It specifies minimum sentences for felonies and misdemeanors, with a range from three months for misdemeanors to at least 15 years for a Class A felony. The bill also states that these enhanced sentences can be combined with punishments under the Alabama Habitual Felony Offender Act. The term "election official" is defined broadly, encompassing various roles within the electoral process, including the Secretary of State and their employees.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 17-3-30.1 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which deals with the disqualification of individuals from voting due to felony convictions involving moral turpitude. It revises the section with insertions and deletions, updating constitutional references and providing a detailed list of felonies that constitute moral turpitude, such as murder, assault, human trafficking, and terrorism-related offenses. The bill ensures that only individuals convicted of these listed felonies are disqualified from voting, with the addition of a new felony category for crimes against election officials. It also clarifies that attempts, conspiracies, or solicitations to commit these crimes are equally disqualifying. The language is updated from "a person" to "an individual," and the list of disqualifying felonies is made exhaustive, with no further additions unless the section is amended. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2024.

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