HB686 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mike Hill
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Pelham, City of, pretrial diversion program, city authorized to establish, set basic operating standards
Summary: HB686 would allow the City of Pelham to create and govern a discretionary pretrial diversion program for defendants in Pelham’s municipal court, with standards, fees, and conditions.
What This Bill Does
The bill authorizes Pelham to establish a pretrial diversion program under city supervision, including contracting with outside agencies and setting operating rules. It creates admission procedures, eligibility rules, and a written agreement process that may include waivers and restitution requirements. It also outlines how charges can be dismissed or deferred if the offender completes the program, while preserving the court’s jurisdiction and the offender’s responsibility to pay costs and fees.

Who It Affects
Offenders charged with criminal offenses in the City of Pelham's municipal court who may apply for and participate in the pretrial diversion program, subject to eligibility and conditions.
City of Pelham officials (city prosecutor, municipal court judge, law enforcement, and supervising staff) who administer, evaluate eligibility, oversee the program, collect fees, and determine disposition and compliance terms.

Key Provisions
The City of Pelham may establish and operate a discretionary pretrial diversion program for defendants within its municipal court jurisdiction and may contract with agencies or hire staff to run it.
Admission is at the sole discretion of the Municipal Court Judge upon approval by the city prosecutor, with certain offenses (and CDL holders) making a person ineligible without consent of the victim or due to licensing restrictions.
Fees: a nonrefundable application fee ($1,000 for misdemeanors and DUI, $500 for non-DUI traffic, $300 for violations) plus supervision and other costs; fees may be waived or reduced if indigent, as determined by the court.
If admitted, offenders sign a written agreement including waivers of speedy and jury trials, tolling of time limits, restitution terms, and numerous potential conditions (treatment, education, employment, drug testing, etc.).
The court retains jurisdiction; punishment is deferred until program completion or termination, and the judge may impose penalties if the offender is terminated or fails to complete the program.
Completion leads to disposition under the agreement; failure or breach can result in renewed punishment per standard procedures, with ongoing responsibility to pay costs and restitution.
The act includes liability limits for providers, severability, and an immediate effective date upon governor approval.

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