SJR78 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Cam Ward
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Juvenile Justice Task Force, created
Summary: SJR78 creates the Alabama Juvenile Justice Task Force to study the state’s juvenile justice system and recommend data-driven reforms.
What This Bill Does
It establishes a task force with high-level state officials, judges, prosecutors, defenders, and agency heads to review Alabama’s juvenile justice system using data. The group will develop findings and policy recommendations aimed at protecting public safety, holding youth accountable, reducing costs, and improving outcomes for youth and communities. It will receive technical assistance from Pew Charitable Trusts, require data from key agencies, and must issue a final report by February 15, 2018, after which the task force dissolves.

Who It Affects
Juvenile offenders and their families in Alabama, who may see changes to policies and programs intended to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes.
State and local juvenile justice stakeholders (courts, Department of Youth Services, Administrative Office of Courts, prosecutors, public defenders, law enforcement, counties with detention facilities, and the Legislature) who participate in the task force, provide data, and may implement reforms.

Key Provisions
Establishes the Alabama Juvenile Justice Task Force with specified members from executive, legislative, judicial branches and key state agencies.
Task force must study the juvenile justice system using a data-driven approach and develop findings and reforms to improve safety, accountability, costs, and outcomes.
Receives technical assistance from Pew Charitable Trusts for research and data analysis; DYS and AOC must provide data and staff on request.
Appointments require diversity by gender, race, and geography; majority of members constitutes a quorum; meetings require five days’ advance notice.
First meeting to occur between May 20 and June 30, 2017; must meet at least six times; final report due to Governor, Legislature leadership, and Chief Justice by February 15, 2018 and made public.
Legislative members receive per diem and travel expenses as allowed by Amendment 871 of the Alabama Constitution; the task force dissolves after submitting its report.

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