SB592 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Hank Sanders
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Autauga Co., sheriff, work release program and board, established, audit, Act 419, 1975 Reg. Sess. repealed and superseded
Summary: Creates Autauga County's Work Release Program and Board to supervise inmate work release, manage wages, and repeal conflicting laws (Act 419).
What This Bill Does
The Autauga County Work Release Board will operate a program allowing eligible inmates at the Autauga County Metro Jail to leave for work during employment hours. Wages go to the board and the Autauga County Work Release Fund, with up to 40% used for confinement costs and law enforcement; the rest may be used for court-ordered child support, credited to the inmate’s account, or paid to the inmate’s family with consent. Inmates’ privileges are not considered employment by the government, and violations of program limits can be treated as escape; the program must follow rules on fairness, prevailing wages, and anti-exploitation, and the county will audit funds and repeal conflicting laws (including Act 419) with immediate effect after governor approval.

Who It Affects
Inmates eligible for the Autauga County Work Release Program: may participate and be released during work hours to employment, with wages processed through the program.
Employers in Autauga County who hire program participants: must pay wages to the board/fund and comply with wage, displacement, and anti-exploitation requirements.

Key Provisions
Establishes the Autauga County Work Release Board and the Autauga County Work Release Fund to operate the program and set rules, including inmate eligibility.
Allows eligible inmates to be released from the county jail during work hours for employment, including time to travel to and from work.
Wages earned by participating inmates are paid to the board; up to 40% may be used for confinement costs and law enforcement; the rest may be applied to court-ordered child support, credited to the inmate’s account, or, with written consent, turned over to the inmate or the inmate’s family.
Board must adopt rules on disbursement and ensure employment meets prevailing area wages, does not displace workers, and prohibits exploitation of inmates.
Inmates in the program are not considered agents or employees of the board or government while in the community or traveling to/from work; failure to comply with program limits can be treated as escape.
The county and board personnel have immunity from negligence claims related to the program; funds are subject to audit by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts.
Act repeals conflicting laws, including Act 419 (1975), and becomes effective immediately after approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Autauga County