SB428 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tammy Irons

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Domestic violence, standards for perpetrator counseling programs further defined, Sec. 30-7-6 am'd

Summary

SB428 would strengthen Alabama's standards for perpetrator domestic violence counseling programs by setting minimum requirements for operation, governance, and funding.

What This Bill Does

It requires the coalition to establish minimum program and treatment standards for perpetrator counseling programs, to be used by courts as guidelines for referrals. Programs must be operated by community-based nonprofit agencies with boards reflecting the communities served, have as the primary goal the reduction and elimination of domestic violence, operate in-state, adopt and implement the prevailing state standards, and provide documentation of adoption to referring courts. It also states that perpetrator treatment programs cannot receive state funds allocated to the coalition for disbursement to shelters. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Community-based nonprofit agencies that run perpetrator counseling programs will need to meet the new minimum standards, operate within Alabama, have representative boards, adopt the standards, and document adoption for court referrals.
• Courts and other referral entities will use the established standards as guidelines when referring perpetrators to counseling programs and will receive documentation showing providers have adopted the standards.

Key Provisions

• The coalition shall establish minimum program and treatment standards for perpetrator counseling programs, to be used as guidelines by the courts for referrals.
• Programs must be operated by community-based nonprofit agencies with boards reflecting the community served, with the primary goal of reducing/eliminating domestic violence, operating in Alabama, and adopting the prevailing state standards.
• Programs must provide documentation of adoption and implementation of the standards to referring courts.
• Perpetrator treatment programs shall not be eligible to receive state funds allocated to the coalition for disbursement to shelters.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and governor approval.

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

Subjects

Family Law