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HB 29

RETIREMENT/LOCAL: Provides relative to the minimum pension for the New Orleans Firefighters' Pension and Relief Fund (OR NO IMPACT APV)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Hilferty

HB 29 expands manslaughter laws in Alabama to include sexual extortion of minors, holding offenders accountable for deaths linked to such crimes as Class A felonies.

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Retirement.
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Bill Summary · HB 29

Summary of HB 29: Crimes and Offenses; Manslaughter

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 29
  • Title: Crimes and offenses; manslaughter; further provided to include certain victims of sexual extortion
  • Status: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary
  • Introduced: December 19, 2024
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Crimes & Offenses

Purpose and Intent

HB 29 aims to amend the existing manslaughter laws in Alabama to include specific provisions regarding the crime of sexual extortion, particularly when the victim is under 18 years of age. The bill seeks to recognize the severe consequences of sexual extortion, including the potential for the victim's death, and to hold offenders accountable under manslaughter statutes.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following changes to Section 13A-6-3 of the Code of Alabama 1975:

  1. Expansion of Manslaughter Definition:

    • The crime of manslaughter will now include cases where:
      • A person commits sexual extortion against a victim under 18 years old.
      • The victim dies as a direct result of the sexual extortion.
      • It is established beyond a reasonable doubt that the sexual extortion was the proximate cause of the victim's death.

  2. Proximate Cause Clarification:

    • The bill explicitly states that a victim's suicide, in the context of sexual extortion, will be considered a foreseeable consequence of the crime and not an independent intervening cause.

  3. Felony Classification:

    • Manslaughter under the new provision (related to sexual extortion) will be classified as a Class A felony, which carries more severe penalties compared to the general manslaughter classification, which is a Class B felony.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The bill primarily affects individuals who commit sexual extortion against minors, as well as the victims of such crimes. It aims to provide justice for victims and their families by holding offenders accountable for the serious consequences of their actions.

  • Legal and Judicial Implications:

    • This legislation could lead to increased prosecutions for manslaughter in cases involving sexual extortion, potentially resulting in harsher penalties for offenders.

Procedural Aspects

  • Timeline:
    • The bill was introduced on December 19, 2024, and was read for the first time on January 13, 2026. It is currently pending action in the House Committee on Judiciary.
    • If passed, the act is set to become effective on October 1, 2026.

Conclusion

HB 29 represents a significant legislative effort to address the serious issue of sexual extortion, particularly concerning minors. By including such offenses under the manslaughter statute, the bill aims to enhance legal protections for vulnerable individuals and ensure that perpetrators face appropriate consequences for their actions.

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

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