Bill > SB200

This bill expands the scope and terminology of drug courts in Alabama, renaming them "accountability courts" and broadening their eligibility to include veterans and individuals with mental illness, in addition to those with substance abuse disorders. The legislation updates definitions, goals, and operational procedures for these courts, emphasizing evidence-based practices and a more comprehensive approach to addressing criminal behavior. Key changes include allowing accountability courts to serve offenders whose mental illness or veteran status may have contributed to their criminal actions, requiring courts to work with treatment programs certified by the Department of Mental Health, and establishing more flexible guidelines for court operations. The bill maintains the original goals of enhancing community safety, reducing recidivism, and helping offenders become productive citizens, while adding provisions to hold offenders accountable and provide more individualized treatment. The Administrative Office of Courts (AOC) will now be responsible for adopting policies and procedures for best practices, providing state-level coordination, and producing annual reports on the program's effectiveness. The bill also clarifies eligibility criteria, confidentiality requirements, and funding mechanisms for accountability courts, with implementation set to begin on October 1, 2025.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search