SB426 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg AlbrittonSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Wrongful incarcerated, Committee on Compensation for Wrongful incarceration, Legislature authorized to negotiate and appropriate lump sum payout in lieu of certified amount, Secs. 29-2-159, 29-2-165 am'd.

Summary

SB 426 would let Alabama pay wrongful incarceration claims with a single negotiated lump-sum payment instead of installments.

What This Bill Does

The bill changes how compensation for wrongful incarceration can be paid. It preserves the base and any supplemental amounts certified by the Committee on Compensation for Wrongful Incarceration, but allows the Legislature to negotiate and approve a one-time lump-sum settlement to satisfy the certified amount. Payment remains contingent on legislative appropriation, and the arrangement does not create an entitlement. The base award remains defined (historically $50,000 per year of incarceration, with pro rata for partial years) and still involves a process for possible supplemental compensation prior to the lump-sum settlement.

Who It Affects

• Wrongfully incarcerated individuals whose eligibility has been verified and who may receive a lump-sum settlement to satisfy certified compensation.
• State actors including the Legislature, the Committee on Compensation for Wrongful Incarceration, the Division of Risk Management, and the Comptroller, who would handle certification, negotiation, appropriation, and payment of the lump-sum settlement.

Key Provisions

• Authorize the Legislature to negotiate and pay a one-time lump-sum settlement to satisfy any base and supplemental compensation certified by the Committee on Compensation for Wrongful Incarceration.
• Amend Sections 29-2-159 and 29-2-165 to reflect lump-sum payment authority, while maintaining the base award structure (e.g., $50,000 per year of incarceration or pro rata), and clarifying that payments depend on legislative appropriation.

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

Subjects

Wrongful Incarceration