HB319 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew SorrellAuditor

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Colbert Co., license required to operate a community reentry program for individuals released from incarceration, co. commission authorized to establish additional licensing requirements, const. amend.

Summary

HB319 would amend the Alabama Constitution to require Colbert County to license community reentry programs for sex offender releasees, with county rules, fees, and oversight.

What This Bill Does

It would create a local constitutional amendment requiring a permit from Colbert County to operate a community reentry program in the county. The county could set licensing requirements, charge a permit fee, require background checks and a large surety bond, and impose other conditions. It also creates a Community Reentry Committee to help set requirements and inspect programs, sets location and residence restrictions for facilities, and establishes enforcement and audit procedures.

Who It Affects

• Operators of community reentry programs in Colbert County who would must obtain a permit, pay fees, pass background checks, post a bond, meet conditions, and undergo inspections and audits.
• Individuals convicted of sex offenses who are released and may participate in or be served by these programs, as facilities would be subject to residence and location restrictions and stricter oversight.

Key Provisions

• Requires a permit from the Colbert County Commission to operate a community reentry program in Colbert County; operating without a permit would be unlawful.
• Application process includes a county-provided form, a minimum permit fee of $500, a required criminal history background check, a required bond of at least $2,500,000, and other county-set requirements.
• Facilities must comply with residence restrictions for adult sex offenders and may not be located within 2,000 feet of residential areas, churches, parks, schools, or minor recreational businesses.
• Annual renewal of the permit with a renewal fee minimum of $500; permit can expire if renewal fee is unpaid after written delinquency notice.
• Ownership changes require a new permit application.
• Establishes the Colbert County Community Reentry Committee to set permitting rules and inspect programs; committee includes a circuit judge, district attorney, sheriff, and two appointed non-elected members.
• Programs must be inspected at least twice per year, with potential additional inspections for enforcement.
• Committee members or their designees may access facilities and records for compliance inspections.
• County commission may suspend or revoke a permit based on committee findings and may seek court orders to close facilities.
• Permit holders must have an annual CPA audit of the program’s finances after the fiscal year, with copies provided to the county commission and committee.
• The amendment applies to all Colbert County community reentry programs and does not exempt programs operating before ratification.
• The bill contemplates an election to ratify the constitutional amendment with a ballot description and yes/no options.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments