SB488 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Dick Brewbaker

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

County jail, grand jury inspections, minimum number each year required, Sec. 12-16-191 am'd.

Summary

SB488 would require county grand juries to inspect county jails at least twice per year and lets them indict county commissioners if the jail is found not properly built or ventilated.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill requires grand juries to personally inspect county jails at least two times annually, checking for safekeeping, accommodation, and health, and to review how the jail has been kept since the last court session. It expands the scope to ensure jail construction and conditions meet legal standards and are secure and well-ventilated. If the jail is found not constructed per law or not safely/ventilated, the grand jury can indict the county commissioners who were in office when the jail was deemed insufficient, as often as necessary. The changes take effect immediately after the Governor signs the bill, or when it otherwise becomes law.

Who It Affects

• County grand juries in Alabama, who would be required to conduct at least two jail inspections per year.
• County commissioners, who could be indicted if the jail was not constructed to required standards or not properly ventilated during their time in office.

Key Provisions

• Requires the grand jury to perform a minimum of two personal inspections of the county jail each year.
• Inspections assess sufficiency for safekeeping, accommodation, health, and inquire about conditions since the last court session.
• If the jail is not constructed as required by law or not strongly and securely built and properly ventilated, the grand jury may indict the county commissioners who were in office when the deficiency existed.
• The act amends Section 12-16-191 and becomes effective immediately after the Governor's approval or otherwise becomes law.

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

Subjects

Jails