SB92 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Clyde ChamblissSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Dept. of Corrections, inmate escapes, expand notification requirement, Sec. 14-3-58 am'd.
Summary: SB 92 expands and speeds up alert procedures when an inmate escapes or a high-risk probationer/parolee absconds, adding broader notifications, online posting, data sharing, and a small reward.
What This Bill Does
If passed, the bill requires the Department of Corrections or custody agency to notify a broad list of officials, law enforcement, and electronic media within 12 hours of an escape or absconding by a high-risk individual. It also requires online posting of the escape details and a mug shot, and entry of the escapee into the National Crime Information Center within 12 hours. The act creates a reward of up to $400 for apprehending the state inmate, payable from inmate labor proceeds, with payment contingent on a recapture certificate filed with the Department of Finance.

Who It Affects
Inmates and probationers/parolees who abscond, particularly those with a Class A felony conviction, a crime where the victim was under 12, or a life sentence, and the Department of Corrections or other custody agency.
Governor, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, county sheriffs and district attorneys, municipal police chiefs, electronic media outlets, and the general public who receive notifications and online postings.

Key Provisions
Expands who must be notified within 12 hours after an escape or absconding by a high-risk individual: Governor, the Department of Public Safety/LEA, sheriff and district attorney of the county of escape, police chief if in a municipality, sheriff and DA of the county of the last conviction (if known), police chief of the last conviction (if municipal and known), sheriff and police chief where the home of record is located (if known), and all electronic media outlets within 75 miles that have expressed interest.
Requires an online posting by the agency with the time, circumstances, a description of the inmate, a copy of the mug shot, and conviction details (county, offense, and date).
Requires the agency to enter the escapee into the National Crime Information Center within 12 hours.
Authorizes a reward up to $400 for apprehension, paid from inmate labor proceeds, with payment contingent on a certificate of recapture filed with the Department of Finance.
Designates the act as the 'Joel Willmore Act' and notes effective timing as the first day of the third month after passage.

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