Yellowhammer Times

(Montgomery) – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall today celebrates the House passage of SB143 which provides penalty enhancements for felonies committed to further the interest of any criminal enterprise or gang. Sponsored by Senator Will Barfoot and Representative Allen Treadaway, the bill also attaches mandatory minimum sentences to the possession or use of a firearm during the commission of certain crimes and ensures that individuals aged 16 and older will be charged as adults for violations of these provisions. The vote comes a week after the Senate unanimously passed SB143. The legislation will now head to the Governor for signing.

Attorney General Marshall remarked, “Alabama has seen an increase in gang-related violence and other organized crime, but this legislation shows that we are serious about fighting back. The immense support for this effort from both sides of the aisle has galvanized and motivated the entire law enforcement community. Now, we are ready to get to work.” 

Marshall continued, “I applaud Senator Barfoot and Representative Treadaway for prioritizing the safety of our citizens and thoughtfully shepherding this legislation through both chambers. A special thanks is also due to Speaker Ledbetter for placing this bill first on the calendar today.”

As the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Alabama, Attorney General Marshall is leading the charge to correct deficiencies within our criminal justice system, spearheading efforts to target gang violence and to reform correctional incentive time. In April, 162 Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police from across the state called on the legislature to pass SB143.

Original source can be found here.