Alabama HB328: Crimes and offenses; arson in the first degree, elements of crime further provided to include arson in connection to a theft; minimum penalties provided

What the bill says

An Act, Crimes and offenses; to amend Section 13A-7-41, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for the crime of arson in the first degree to establish alternative means by which the crime may occur; and to provide minimum criminal penalties for a violation.

From the enrolled text:

An Act, Crimes and offenses; to amend Section 13A-7-41, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for the crime of arson in the first degree to establish alternative means by which the crime may occur; and to provide minimum criminal penalties for a violation. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA: Section 1. Section 13A-7-41, Code of Alabama 1975, is amended to read as follows: "§13A-7-41 (a) A person commits the crime of arson in the first degree if he or she intentionally damages a building by starting or maintaining a fire or causing an explosion, while another person is present in the building at the time, and when either of the following occur: (1) Another person is present in such building at the time, and (2)(1) The actor knows that fact, or the circumstances are such as to render the presence of a person therein a reasonable possibility; or (2) The fire or explosion is started in conjunction with or to effectuate a theft, and the fire or explosion or accompanying theft results in damages of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or more. (b) Arson in the first degree is a Class A felony and shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than 20 years. The term of imprisonment shall run consecutive with Page years. …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Faulkner, David (R, HD-046) · primary sponsor
• Colvin, William Brock (R, HD-026)

Latest actions

1. April 16, 2026: Enacted
2. April 9, 2026: Delivered to Governor
3. April 9, 2026: Signature Requested
4. April 9, 2026: Enrolled
5. April 9, 2026: Ready to Enroll
6. April 8, 2026: Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1279
7. March 3, 2026: Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar
8. March 3, 2026: Reported Out of Committee Second House
9. February 25, 2026: Pending Committee Action in Second House
10. February 25, 2026: Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary

Votes

• Senate Roll Call #1279 (April 8, 2026): 30 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Roll Call #571 (February 25, 2026): 104 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Roll Call #570 (February 25, 2026): 104 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Roll Call #569 (February 25, 2026): 102 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB328?

HB328 is a bill in the Alabama Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Crimes and offenses; arson in the first degree, elements of crime further provided to include arson in connection to a theft; minimum penalties provided.

What does HB328 do?

In its own words: An Act, Crimes and offenses; to amend Section 13A-7-41, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for the crime of arson in the first degree to establish alternative means by which the crime may occur; and to provide minimum criminal penalties for a violation.

What is the status of HB328?

Signed into law as of April 16, 2026. Latest action: Enacted (April 16, 2026).

Who sponsored HB328?

Faulkner, David (R, HD-046), with 1 co-sponsor.

Where is the official record for HB328?

On the Alabama Legislature website: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/instrument/2026RS/HB328