HB248 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Steve HurstRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Clay Co. Community Corrections Program, director and employees, power of arrest under certain conditions
Summary: HB 248 lets the Clay County Community Corrections Program director and staff have police powers, including arrest authority, under defined conditions.
What This Bill Does
If enacted, the director and employees would become law enforcement officers with authority to arrest and issue warrants for their official duties, on par with deputy sheriffs, provided they are certified. Their arrest powers would be limited to crimes at program facilities and to violations or crimes committed by people under their supervision. They can arrest with probable cause, and if they arrest without a warrant, they must prepare a written warrant for the court to review; the court may detain the person pending further hearings and may revoke probation or participation in the program. They must meet the minimum standards for state law enforcement officers, and the act would take effect immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects
The Clay County Community Corrections Program director and employees, who gain formal law enforcement authority subject to certification and standards.
Defendants or other individuals under supervision in the program, who could be arrested for violations of supervision or for criminal offenses.
People present at program facilities, who could be arrested for crimes committed on the premises.
The courts and probation/administration system, which would handle detentions and potential revocation of probation or program participation based on arrests and findings.

Key Provisions
Section 1 grants the program director and employees law enforcement authority to arrest and serve warrants, to the same extent as deputy sheriffs in their counties, pending certification by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission; powers apply to crimes at program facilities and to violations by supervised individuals.
Arrests require probable cause; if an arrest is without a warrant, a written warrant must be prepared stating the suspected violation or offense and used to bring the offender before the court for probable cause review, after which detention or revocation may occur.
Section 2 requires the director and employees with arrest powers to comply with the minimum standards for state law enforcement officers.
Sections 3 and 4 establish severability and immediate effectiveness after 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: Clay County