The bill amends Section 13A-6-142 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to clarify the jurisdiction over prosecutions for violations of domestic violence protection orders. It establishes that the district courts will have exclusive original jurisdiction over such prosecutions, with the exception of cases under the jurisdiction of juvenile courts. Additionally, any pending prosecutions for violations of this section as of October 1, 2026, will be transferred to the district court.

The bill also introduces a new provision that mandates an additional fine of $50 for violations of domestic violence protection orders, which will be allocated to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. The penalties for violations remain as a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense, with increased penalties for subsequent offenses, including a minimum of 30 days imprisonment for a second conviction and a Class C felony for a third or subsequent conviction. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13A-6-142
Engrossed: 13A-6-142