HB379 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Steve HurstRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Crimes and offenses, sex offenses, mandatory condition of parole, chemical castration treatment authorized as mandatory condition of parole for certain sex offenders
Summary: HB379 would make chemical castration a mandatory parole condition for certain sex offenses against children under 13, with the offender paying for the treatment and the treatment administered by the Department of Public Health.
What This Bill Does
It requires parole for offenders whose sex offense involved a child under 13 to include chemical castration treatment. The treatment must begin at least one month before release and continue until the court determines it is no longer necessary, and it is to be administered by the Department of Public Health. Offenders must pay all costs, though parole cannot be denied solely for inability to pay, and there are procedures for determining indigency and handling payments.

Who It Affects
Parolees convicted of a sex offense involving a person under the age of 13, who are mandated to undergo chemical castration as a parole condition.
Offenders who cannot afford the treatment (indigent individuals), who may have a court determine indigency and guidance on payment responsibilities.
The Department of Public Health (administration of the treatment) and the Board of Pardons and Paroles (access to medical records and parole oversight).

Key Provisions
Chemical castration treatment is defined to include medications that reduce, inhibit, or block testosterone or related hormones (e.g., medroxyprogesterone acetate or equivalent).
As a parole condition, a court must order chemical castration for offenders whose sex offense involved a person under 13.
Treatment must start no later than one month before release from custody and continue until the court says it is no longer necessary; the Department of Public Health administers the treatment.
Offenders pay all treatment costs; parole cannot be denied solely due to inability to pay; procedures for determining indigency are specified, including periodic reviews.
Parolees must authorize the Department of Public Health to share medical records about the treatment with the Board of Pardons and Paroles; refusal to continue treatment constitutes a parole violation and can lead to remand.
Medical professionals must inform the parolee about treatment effects and side effects, with written acknowledgment of receipt.
Only a bona fide employee of the Department of Public Health may administer the treatment.
If the parolee intentionally stops treatment, it is a Class C felony.
The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved.

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