SB101 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald H. AllenSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2012
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: SB101 makes it unlawful for inmates to possess cell phones or similar devices, allows confiscation of such devices from visitors, and lets the Department of Corrections detect unauthorized inmate communications.
What This Bill Does
It prohibits inmates from possessing cellular phones, wireless devices, or computers that can transfer programs, and makes violations a Class C felony. It also makes it unlawful for anyone to deliver such devices to an inmate. If a visitor is found with one of these devices during a search or metal detector, the device must be confiscated and notices about the rule must be posted. The DOC may enter contracts to help detect unauthorized inmate communications with these devices, and the act becomes law several months after it is signed by the Governor.

Who It Affects
Inmates in the Alabama Department of Corrections, who are prohibited from possessing cellular phones, wireless devices, or computers that facilitate program transfer and who would face Class C felony penalties for violations and may need to identify themselves when communicating.
Visitors and corrections department employees, where visitors’ devices are confiscated upon search, and employees are restricted from possessing devices to deliver to inmates; the DOC can contract to detect unauthorized inmate communications and post notices about the search and confiscation rules.

Key Provisions
Section 1(a)-(e): Prohibits inmate possession of cellular phones, wireless devices, or certain computers; prohibits delivery of such devices to inmates; violations are Class C felonies; clarifies not to repeal other laws and applies the harsher penalty when multiple laws apply.
Section 2-3: Requires confiscation of prohibited devices found with visitors and allows the DOC to contract for detection of unauthorized inmate communications; requires posted notices about search/confiscation provisions.

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