HB504 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Isaac Whorton

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Mental Health Dept., adult commitment proceedings, ages 18 and older, probate court, Sec. 22-52-16 am'd.

Summary

HB504 clarifies that adults aged 18 and over are subject to probate court procedures when committed to the State Department of Mental Health.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 22-52-16 to specify that the probate court’s process for committing an adult to the State Department of Mental Health applies to persons 18 years and older. This clarifies that 18-year-olds are treated as adults for commitment proceedings, aligning them with adult procedures rather than juvenile court rules. It also states when the law becomes effective after passage and the governor's approval.

Who It Affects

• Adults 18 years old and older who could be committed to the State Department of Mental Health, who would use probate court procedures for commitment.
• Judges and staff of the probate court and officials of the State Department of Mental Health who handle commitment cases, as they would apply the specified adult-commitment procedures to 18+ individuals.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 22-52-16 to apply the probate court's adult commitment procedures to persons age 18 and over.
• Provides that the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor (or when it becomes law by other means).

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

Subjects

Mental Health Department