HB376 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Corrections Dept., legislative approval required prior to entering into a lease agreement to incarcerate inmates at an institution owned or operated by a nongovernmental entity, Sec. 14-1-1.2 am'd.

Summary

Requires the Alabama Department of Corrections to obtain legislative approval before leasing to a nongovernmental entity to house, supervise, or manage more than 15% of its inmates.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the Department of Corrections cannot enter such a lease without a law passed by both chambers of the Legislature. The limit is that the NGO facility could only house, supervise, or manage more than 15% of the department's inmates with legislative consent. The requirement applies only to leases entered after the act's effective date and does not apply to leases or renewals previously entered into. The act would take effect immediately after the governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects

• Alabama Department of Corrections, which would need to secure legislative approval before entering qualifying NGO leases
• Nongovernmental entities that own or operate inmate facilities and could be used to house a portion of the inmate population
• The Alabama Legislature, which must pass a new law with a majority vote in both houses to approve any qualifying lease
• Inmate population distribution, as housing arrangements in NGO facilities would require legislative approval when exceeding 15% of inmates

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 14-1-1.2 to require legislative consent via majority vote in both houses before leasing or transferring control of an institution to a nongovernmental entity if more than 15% of the department's inmates would be affected.
• Specifies that the approval requirement only applies to leases entered after the amendatory act's effective date and does not apply to leases or renewals entered into before that date.
• States that the act becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it or otherwise becomes law.

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