SB66 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Corrections Department, inmates prohibited from possessing mobile telephones, wireless communication devices, visitors, giving or selling device to inmate, prohibited, search and confiscation provisions, notice, contracts for detection, penalties

Summary

SB66 would make it illegal for inmates to possess cell phones, wireless devices, or certain computers, with penalties, and would allow confiscation of such devices from visitors and enable detection of unauthorized inmate communications.

What This Bill Does

It makes it unlawful for an inmate to possess a cellular phone, wireless device, or computer that can input, output, examine, or transfer computer programs, with exceptions allowed by law or authorization. Violations by inmates are Class C felonies, and if an inmate uses such a device to communicate, they must reveal their identity and inmate ID to the other person. Visitors found with these devices during searches or metal detectors can have the devices confiscated, and notices about the rules must be posted. The Alabama Department of Corrections may enter contracts to detect unauthorized inmate communications, and the bill includes a provision that it does not require local governments to fund new costs under Amendment 621 due to creating a new crime. The bill becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Inmates in the Alabama Department of Corrections: cannot possess cell phones, wireless devices, or certain computers that facilitate communications or program transfers, and faces Class C felony penalties if they do; they must provide identity and inmate ID if they communicate using such devices.
• Visitors to inmates: if found with any cell phone, wireless device, or suitable computer during searches or metal detector screenings, the device will be confiscated and the visitor is subject to the rules and posted notices.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits inmates from possessing cellular phones, wireless devices, or computers that allow input/output/examination/transfer of computer programs, with authorized exceptions.
• Makes unauthorized possession by an inmate a Class C felony and states this does not repeal other criminal laws; if conduct overlaps with other laws, the harsher penalty applies.
• If a visitor is found with such a device during search or screening, the device shall be confiscated and notices must be posted about the rule.
• Allows the Alabama Department of Corrections to enter contracts to detect unauthorized inmate communications by cellular or other wireless devices.
• Addresses local-funding rules by stating the bill is exempt from Amendment 621 because it creates a new crime or amends an existing one.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after the Governor approves.

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