SB217 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tammy Irons
Democrat
Co-Sponsors: Phillip W. Williams Paul Bussman Dick Brewbaker Bobby D. Singleton Arthur Orr Linda Coleman-Madison Roger Bedford, Jr.Quinton Ross Trip Pittman J.T. Waggoner Cam Ward William “Bill” M. Beasley Jerry L. Fielding
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Honor and Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) programs, established as an offender supervision program to reduce probation violations, reports to Sentencing Commission, Honor and Opportunity Probation with Enforcement Act
Summary: SB217 creates Honor and Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) programs in Alabama to supervise high‑risk probationers with swift sanctions and incentives aimed at reducing violations and incarceration.
What This Bill Does
The bill authorizes HOPE programs in each judicial circuit and sets standards for their operation. It targets higher-risk probationers and uses rapid, clearly defined sanctions for violations, including immediate arrest and short periods of confinement. It requires regular drug testing, ongoing monitoring, incentives for compliant behavior, and referrals to treatment when needed. It also establishes procedures to terminate participation or revoke to incarceration for persistent violators and requires reporting of program data to the Alabama Sentencing Commission.

Who It Affects
Probationers on supervision in Alabama, especially those deemed higher risk, who would be subject to HOPE rules, frequent drug testing, swift sanctions, possible short-term confinement, incentives, and treatment referrals.
Judges, probation officers, sheriffs, jail administrators, district attorneys, public defenders, and police chiefs in each circuit, who must coordinate, implement, and operate the HOPE program according to the guidelines and participate in regular coordination meetings.

Key Provisions
Authorizes establishment of HOPE programs in each judicial circuit with standards and guidelines for operation.
Requires targeting of higher-risk probationers and use of clearly articulated, swift, certain, and proportionate sanctions for violations.
Mandates regular, random, rapid-result drug testing and monitoring of probationers' compliance with conditions.
Requires immediate arrest and swift modification of probation conditions, including short periods of confinement that can escalate with subsequent violations.
Provides incentives for compliant probationers and referrals to certified substance abuse treatment for those who repeatedly use illicit drugs.
Establishes procedures to terminate participation or revoke to incarceration for habitual violators and requires data collection and annual reporting to the Alabama Sentencing Commission.
Involves system actors (probation officers, law enforcement, district attorneys, public defenders, jail and police officials) and requires regular coordination for program operation.

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