The bill seeks to amend Section 13A-6-65 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which pertains to the crime of sexual misconduct. The amendments include nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style. Specifically, the bill proposes to change the word "person" to "individual" in the context of defining the crime of sexual misconduct. This change occurs in three places within the section, each time relating to different forms of sexual misconduct: sexual intercourse, sodomy, and sexual contact without consent, or with consent obtained by fraud or artifice.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new subsection that defines "sexual contact" for the purposes of the section, stating that it includes the touching of any part of the body for sexual gratification. The bill also clarifies that sexual misconduct is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. The bill acknowledges that it may require a new or increased expenditure of local funds but is excluded from further requirements under Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022 because it defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime. The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2024, and has passed the House of Representatives with 90 yeas, 0 nays, and 11 abstentions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13A-6-60
Engrossed: 13A-6-65