The bill, known as Jolee's Law, amends Section 15-19-1 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to prohibit judges from granting youthful offender status to individuals aged 16 years or older who are charged with capital murder or murder. The new legal language specifies that such individuals must be charged, arrested, and tried as adults, thereby removing the possibility of being treated as youthful offenders in these serious cases. This change is reflected in the insertion of language that states, "An individual who has attained the age 16 years of age or older at the time of the offense and who is charged with capital murder... may not be tried as a youthful offender... but shall be charged, arrested, and tried as an adult."

Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions regarding youthful offender status for individuals charged with crimes involving moral turpitude or those subject to a sentence of one year or more. The amendments clarify the process for determining youthful offender status, including the requirement for the court to conduct an evidentiary hearing when serious physical injury or death is involved. The bill also ensures that victims receive notice prior to hearings related to youthful offender status. The effective date for this act is set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 15-19-1
Engrossed: 15-19-1