HB634 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Chris EnglandRepresentative
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Tuscaloosa, pretrial diversion program, established
Summary: HB634 lets the City of Tuscaloosa create a discretionary pretrial diversion program with specific rules, fees, and oversight for eligible offenders.
What This Bill Does
The bill authorizes Tuscaloosa to establish and operate a pretrial diversion program under city supervision, with the city retaining discretionary powers. It defines terms, eligibility, and the evaluation process, including potential costs and the ability to require tests or records. If an offender is admitted, the court defers punishment until completion and the offender signs a written agreement with conditions; successful completion leads to a disposition reflecting the program, while termination or failure results in traditional sentencing and ongoing payment of costs and restitution.

Who It Affects
Offenders charged with offenses in the City of Tuscaloosa who may be admitted to the program and must follow its conditions, pay fees, and may have charges reduced or dismissed upon successful completion.
The City of Tuscaloosa (including the municipal court and city attorney) and related agencies, which will operate the program, assess and collect fees, oversee evaluations and conditions, and handle court dispositions and restitution.

Key Provisions
The City of Tuscaloosa may establish and operate a pretrial diversion program under city supervision and may contract for services as needed.
Admission to the program is at the sole discretion of the city attorney; certain offenses and safety concerns render an offender ineligible.
An applicant may be charged a one-time application fee ($1,000 for misdemeanors and DUI, $500 for traffic offenses, $100 for violations) plus other costs, with funds allocated to the city and specific funds; indigency may allow fee waivers or reductions.
The written agreement to participate may include waivers of speedy and jury trials, tolling of time limits, restitution arrangements, and a wide array of conditions (treatment, education, employment, drug testing, curfews, etc.).
Punishment is deferred until completion of the program; if the offender completes it, the court may enter a disposition consistent with the agreement; if terminated, traditional punishment is imposed.
If a participant breaches the program, the city attorney may modify, extend, or terminate participation; the program and its providers have no liability for the offender’s conduct.
Offenders remain responsible for court costs, restitution, and other fees regardless of program outcome; some costs may be allocated or waived only by court decision or agreement.
The act becomes effective immediately after passage and the governor’s approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Tuscaloosa County