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AlabamaSB2032026 Regular SessionSenate

Crimes and procedure; crimes of indecent exposure and other sex crimes further provided to include additional victims; crime of inpatient custodial sexual misconduct, established; domestic violence offenses, further provided to include additional victims and criminal penalties

Sponsored By: Vivian Davis Figures (Democratic)

Enacted

Crimes & Offenses

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

10 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 5 mixed.

Broader charges for child sexual exploitation

Beginning October 1, 2026, sending covered sexual material electronically to a child under 17, or someone believed to be a child, is a Class B felony. This covers material depicting actual or simulated nudity, sexual conduct, or sadomasochistic abuse sent to start sexual conduct, a sexual performance, or a sex offense. Defendants must be tried as adults, and records cannot be sealed or expunged. Travel within, to, or from Alabama for covered unlawful sex acts is a Class A felony, including attempted travel or knowingly causing another person to travel for oneself or another. Knowingly enticing, persuading, inducing, or directing children into intercourse or sodomy is a Class A felony; sexual contact is a Class B felony. These directing offenses cover children under 12 and ages 12–15 when at least two years younger than the other person. Undercover officer or operative involvement is not a defense to prosecution for the covered sexual offenses.

Broader indecent exposure charges and penalties

Beginning October 1, 2026, indecent exposure can include acts intended to arouse or satisfy a spouse's sexual desire. The person must expose their genitals knowing the act is likely to offend or alarm others. The offense becomes a Class C felony if any victim is under 12 or the offender has at least two prior convictions under the same article. Otherwise, it remains a Class A misdemeanor.

Stronger protection for workers reporting abuse

Beginning October 1, 2026, workers gain stronger protection against employer punishment solely for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. The ban covers firing, suspension, discipline, and other penalties. An employer's first violation remains a Class C misdemeanor. A violation after a previous conviction under this rule is a Class C felony.

Broader kidnapping charges with limited defenses

Beginning October 1, 2026, second-degree kidnapping covers abduction using deception, physical force, or deadly force, including intent to use those means. It is a Class B felony. First-degree kidnapping remains a Class A felony, but voluntary safe release before arrest no longer provides a defense. A second-degree defendant can raise a defense when their sole purpose was to take lawful control of the person. The defendant must raise that issue, but the burden of proof does not shift.

Abuse reports lose automatic record clearing

Beginning October 1, 2026, investigating agencies no longer must erase child abuse reports and related information when no conviction results. This removes a mandatory record-clearing protection. It does not require agencies to keep every such record.

Faster child abuse reports and referrals

Beginning October 1, 2026, covered professionals and organizations must report known or suspected child abuse or neglect orally at once. This includes third-party reports and information that would make a reasonable person suspect abuse or neglect. Reports go to law enforcement or the Alabama Department of Human Resources, with a written report within 72 hours. Covered groups include health providers, school staff, police, social workers, child care workers, clergy, and people providing aid to children; privileged clergy communications remain exempt. Law enforcement must immediately notify the department when it receives a report.

Voyeurism convictions trigger sex-offender registry rules

Beginning October 1, 2026, first-degree voyeurism is included in Alabama's definition of a sex offense. People convicted or adjudicated of that offense are covered by the state's sex-offender registration framework.

Children's statements reach more court cases

Beginning October 1, 2026, qualifying out-of-court statements can be used when the child was under 18 when speaking. The previous limit was under 12. The rule now applies in any court proceeding, not just criminal cases. The statement must describe an act that is a required part of a physical, sexual, or violent offense. It must otherwise be inadmissible and satisfy the child-statement law's evidence requirements.

Courtroom dogs help witnesses with safeguards

Beginning October 1, 2026, a certified facility dog with a certified handler can accompany a victim or witness during testimony. The State or requesting party must file notice before using the dog in court. Dogs need two years of training, a public-access test, assistance-dog program graduation, and a current Alabama veterinarian health certificate. The program must carry at least $500,000 in liability insurance, and handlers need training and knowledge of procedures. Courts must give juries instructions limiting how they consider the dog's presence and can check credentials.

New felony for inpatient staff misconduct

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law creates a criminal safeguard against sexual misconduct by staff responsible for inpatient care, treatment, or supervision. Covered staff include employees, volunteers, and contract workers. Soliciting or engaging in sexual conduct with a covered patient is a Class C felony, even if the patient consents. It covers inpatient substance-use treatment patients who cannot access the public without supervision, and people committed to inpatient mental health facilities.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Vivian Davis Figures

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Andrew Jones

    Republican • Senate

  • April Weaver

    Republican • Senate

  • Bobby D. Singleton

    Democratic • Senate

  • Chris Elliott

    Republican • Senate

  • Clyde Chambliss

    Republican • Senate

  • Dan Roberts

    Republican • Senate

  • David Sessions

    Republican • Senate

  • Donnie Chesteen

    Republican • Senate

  • Garlan Gudger

    Republican • Senate

  • Gerald H. Allen

    Republican • Senate

  • Greg Albritton

    Republican • Senate

  • J. T. 'Jabo' Waggoner

    Republican • Senate

  • Jack W. Williams

    Republican • Senate

  • Jay Hovey

    Republican • Senate

  • Josh Carnley

    Republican • Senate

  • Keith Kelley

    Republican • Senate

  • Kirk Hatcher

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lance Bell

    Republican • Senate

  • Larry Stutts

    Republican • Senate

  • Matt Woods

    Republican • Senate

  • Merika Coleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Randy Price

    Republican • Senate

  • Robert Stewart

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rodger M. Smitherman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sam Givhan

    Republican • Senate

  • Steve Livingston

    Republican • Senate

  • Tim Melson

    Republican • Senate

  • Tom Butler

    Republican • Senate

  • Wes Kitchens

    Republican • Senate

  • William M. Beasley

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 366 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/1/2026

Figures Motion to Concur In and Adopt House Amendment to SB203

Yes: 32 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2026

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1096

Yes: 66 • No: 0 • Other: 32

House vote • 3/31/2026

Third Reading in Second House

Yes: 66 • No: 0 • Other: 32

House vote • 3/31/2026

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1095

Yes: 66 • No: 0 • Other: 32

Senate vote • 2/5/2026

Third Reading in House of Origin

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/5/2026

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 260

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/5/2026

Figures motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 259

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/5/2026

Figures motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 252

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Enacted

    4/8/2026Senate

  2. Figures Motion to Concur In and Adopt House Amendment to SB203

    4/1/2026Senate

  3. Ready to Enroll

    4/1/2026Senate

  4. Enrolled

    4/1/2026Senate

  5. Delivered to Governor

    4/1/2026Senate

  6. Signature Requested

    4/1/2026House

  7. Third Reading in Second House

    3/31/2026House

  8. Judiciary Engrossed Substitute Offered

    3/31/2026House

  9. Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1095

    3/31/2026House

  10. Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1096

    3/31/2026House

  11. Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar

    2/19/2026House

  12. Reported Out of Committee Second House

    2/18/2026House

  13. Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary

    2/10/2026House

  14. Pending Committee Action in Second House

    2/10/2026House

  15. Third Reading in House of Origin

    2/5/2026Senate

  16. Figures 1st Amendment Offered

    2/5/2026Senate

  17. Figures motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 252

    2/5/2026Senate

  18. Carried Over to the Call of the Chair

    2/5/2026Senate

  19. Figures 2nd Amendment Offered

    2/5/2026Senate

  20. Figures motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 259

    2/5/2026Senate

  21. Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 260

    2/5/2026Senate

  22. Engrossed

    2/5/2026Senate

  23. Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar

    1/29/2026Senate

  24. Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

    1/28/2026Senate

  25. Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary

    1/21/2026Senate

Bill Text

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