HB454 • 2026

Search warrants; period of time to execute and return search warrants for DNA evidence, extended

Crime

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Lovvorn
Last action: 2026-03-03
Official status: Read Second Time in Second House
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details about what happens if a warrant is returned late but within the extended period.

Extending Time for DNA Evidence Search Warrants

This bill changes the time limit for executing and returning search warrants that collect DNA evidence from 10 days to 60 days.

What This Bill Does

Changes the law so that search warrants for collecting DNA samples can be executed up to 60 days after they are issued, instead of the usual 10 days.

Who It Names or Affects

Law enforcement agencies and judges who issue search warrants.
People whose DNA samples might be collected under these warrants.

Terms To Know

Combined DNA Index System (CODIS): A database used by law enforcement to store and compare DNA profiles from crime scenes and individuals.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what happens if a warrant is returned late but within the extended period.
It's unclear how this change will affect ongoing investigations or cases that rely on timely DNA evidence collection.

Bill History

2026-03-03 Senate
Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar
2026-03-03 Senate
Reported Out of Committee Second House
2026-02-26 House
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 610 (Yeas 100, Nays 0)
2026-02-26 House
Third Reading in House of Origin (Yeas 100, Nays 0)
2026-02-26 Senate
Pending Committee Action in Second House
2026-02-26 Senate
Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary
2026-02-19 House
Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar
2026-02-18 House
Reported Out of Committee House of Origin
2026-02-12 House
Pending Committee Action in House of Origin
2026-02-12 House
Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Official Summary Text

Search warrants; period of time to execute and return search warrants for DNA evidence, extended

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

HB454 INTRODUCED
Page 0
HB454
QNYUV14-1
By Representative Lovvorn
RFD: Public Safety and Homeland Security
First Read: 12-Feb-26
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QNYUV14-1 02/12/2026 CMH (L)CMH 2026-461
Page 1
First Read: 12-Feb-26
SYNOPSIS:
Under existing law, a search warrant must be
executed and returned to the issuing judge or
magistrate within 10 days after the date of issuance. A
search warrant not returned within this time period is
void.
This bill would provide that if the search
warrant is for the collection of a DNA reference
sample, the period of time to execute and return the
search warrant would be extended to 60 days.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to search warrants; to amend Section 15-5-12,
Code of Alabama 1975, to extend the authorized period of time
to execute and return a search warrant for the collection of a
DNA reference sample.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. Section 15-5-12, Code of Alabama 1975, is
amended to read as follows:
"§15-5-12
(a) A search warrant must be executed and returned to
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HB454 INTRODUCED
Page 2
(a) A search warrant must be executed and returned to
the judge or the magistrate by whom it was issued within as
follows:
(1) Within 10 days after its date ; or
(2) Within 60 days after its date for the collection of
a DNA reference sample for confirmatory forensic analysis,
pursuant to an investigative lead generated from a search of
the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) ; if not executed after
such time, it .
(b) A search warrant not executed and returned in
accordance with this section is void."
Section 2. This act shall become effective on October
1, 2026.
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