Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) – A newly introduced bill in the Alabama Legislature, known as Jolee’s Law, would prevent courts from granting youthful offender status to teens age 16 or older charged with capital murder or murder.
Filed by Representative Pettus, House Bill 11 (HB11) proposes an amendment to Section 15-19-1 of the Alabama Code. Under current law, individuals under 21 may be considered for youthful offender status—allowing certain protections, like avoiding a public criminal record—if the offense occurred before turning 19.
If passed, the bill would require 16- and 17-year-olds charged with capital murder or murder to be tried as adults, unless those charges are later reduced. The bill also strengthens victims’ rights, requiring a 10-day notice before any hearing on youthful offender eligibility and an evidentiary hearing on the injuries involved.
Jolee’s Law is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, if approved.
