HB590 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Jones

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Corrections Dept., correctional officer retention, pilot program for bonuses, expiration

Summary

HB590 would authorize a pilot program by the Alabama Department of Corrections to award bonuses to correctional officers to improve hiring and retention, including efforts to hire and retain veterans, with funding limitations and an expiration date.

What This Bill Does

The Department of Corrections could establish a pilot program to provide bonuses to correctional officers for remaining employed for consecutive terms. Bonuses would be limited to officers with at least 12 consecutive months on the job, and the amount and terms would be set by the department and depend on funds available. The program is temporary and expires December 31, 2019 unless extended by law, and it does not create new appropriations but uses existing budget funds. It becomes effective immediately after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Correctional officers employed by the Alabama Department of Corrections who could receive bonuses for staying on the job (with at least 12 consecutive months).
• Veterans of the United States Armed Forces who work as correctional officers, as the program aims to promote their hiring and retention.

Key Provisions

• The Department of Corrections may establish a pilot program to award bonuses to officers for remaining employed for consecutive terms, subject to available funds.
• Bonuses may not be awarded to officers who have less than 12 consecutive months of employment.
• The program expires on December 31, 2019 unless extended by law.
• The program is not an appropriation and relies on funds appropriated in the department's annual budget act.
• The act becomes effective immediately upon passage and governor's 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

Corrections Department