HB613 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg Wren

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Medical Furlough Act, definition of permanently incapacitated inmate further provided for, Commissioner of Department of Corrections to report to Legislature information regarding certain inmates under medical supervision, commissioner required to evaluate certain inmates frequently in infirmary or under medical supervision for a medical furlough, Secs. 14-14-2, 14-14-4, 14-14-5, 14-14-7 am'd.

Summary

The bill creates a Medical Furlough Act that allows discretionary medical furlough for certain non-capital felony inmates who are permanently incapacitated, terminally ill, or geriatric, under medical supervision and with discharge plans.

What This Bill Does

HB613 establishes a discretionary medical furlough program for eligible inmates. It defines categories like geriatric inmates, permanently incapacitated inmates, and terminally ill inmates, and sets rules for when they may be released under supervision. The Department of Corrections must annually evaluate inmates who have spent 60 days or more in infirmary or under medical care to determine if they should be considered for furlough, and it can revoke furlough if the inmate violates parole or becomes a danger. It also requires the commissioner to report on these inmates and the program to specified legislative committees and the Alabama Sentencing Commission, and to coordinate discharge plans with other agencies.

Who It Affects

• Inmates who have spent 60 days or more in infirmary or under medical supervision, and those who meet the bill's criteria (geriatric, permanently incapacitated, or terminally ill non-capital felony inmates) would be affected by the new medical furlough process and supervision requirements.
• State and local government and service providers (Department of Corrections, district attorneys, crime victims, legislative committees, Alabama Sentencing Commission, health and human services agencies, and community organizations involved in discharge planning) would coordinate and supervise releases, evaluations, and care arrangements.

Key Provisions

• Establishes a medical furlough program for non-capital felony inmates; excludes capital murder and sexual offenses.
• Adds definitions for geriatric inmate, permanently incapacitated inmate, and terminally ill inmate, plus a defined set of daily life functions relevant to incapacitation.
• Requires the commissioner to implement an annual program that evaluates inmates who have spent 60+ days in infirmary or under medical care to determine furlough eligibility.
• Authorizes the commissioner to revoke a medical furlough if the inmate violates parole conditions or becomes a danger to self or others; requires supervision and discharge planning for released inmates.
• Imposes a multi-step process for initial medical furlough consideration, including physician reports and independent medical opinions, with forms available at facilities.
• Requires notifications to district attorneys and crime victims about furlough consideration and provides an opportunity to object.
• Requires the commissioner to report annually on applications, approvals/denials, and outcomes, and on the condition of inmates with long infirmary stays and the evaluation steps taken.
• Sets timelines for determinations (generally within 30 days of receipt) and for submission of certain medical documentation (e.g., within 60 days).
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage; the act is not intended to expand public agency responsibilities for caregiving.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Corrections Department