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HB 309

Domestic violence; persistent domestic violence offender database established within Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), registration requirements and removal procedures provided for, ALEA required to adopt rules

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Juandalynn Givan

Alabama bill creates a domestic violence offender registry requiring certain repeat offenders to register with state law enforcement and establishes procedures for database management and removal.

Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar (Judiciary)
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Bill Summary · HB 309

Legislative bill overview

HB 309 establishes a persistent domestic violence offender database within the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) that requires certain domestic violence offenders to register. The bill outlines registration requirements for offenders and provides procedures for removal from the database, while tasking ALEA with adopting administrative rules to implement the system.

Why is this important

Domestic violence databases aim to help law enforcement identify repeat offenders and provide potential victims or their families with access to offender information, similar to existing sex offender registries. This could influence victim safety planning, prosecution strategies, and public awareness of high-risk individuals in their communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: The bill's success depends on which offenses trigger registration requirements and how "persistent" is defined—overly broad definitions could capture minor cases while narrow ones might exclude serious repeat offenders
  • Privacy and due process concerns: Offenders may challenge registration as excessive punishment or stigmatization, particularly if removal procedures are difficult or if database access is unrestricted
  • Resource and enforcement implications: ALEA will need funding and staff to manage the database, verify compliance, and handle registration disputes; enforcement mechanisms aren't detailed in the bill's description

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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