The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to define "machinegun" and establish mandatory enhanced sentences for crimes involving such firearms. It defines a machinegun as any firearm capable of automatically firing more than one shot without manual reloading by a single trigger function, including parts intended for conversion. The bill clarifies that certain devices designed to increase a firearm's rate of fire do not fall under this definition. Additionally, it provides legal protections for licensed healthcare providers from criminal liability when their medical care may inadvertently affect an unborn child.

The legislation imposes severe penalties for crimes involving machineguns, including life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for murder committed with a machinegun, depending on the age of the offender. It reclassifies manslaughter and assault offenses involving machineguns as Class A felonies, mandating life sentences for those convicted. The bill also revises definitions and classifications of homicide and assault, ensuring clarity and appropriate penalties for violent crimes involving machineguns. Grammatical adjustments are made for clarity, and the act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13A-6-1, 13A-6-2, 13A-6-3, 13A-6-20, 13A-6-21
Engrossed: 13A-6-1, 13A-6-2, 13A-6-3, 13A-6-20, 13A-6-21