HB393 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

A proposed Colbert County constitutional amendment would require a county permit and create licensing and oversight for operating community reentry programs for sex offenders.

What This Bill Does

It would require anyone operating a community reentry program in Colbert County to obtain a permit from the Colbert County Commission before starting. The county would set the permitting requirements and may charge a fee. A Colbert County Community Reentry Committee would develop the rules and inspect programs to ensure compliance. The bill also imposes strict requirements on programs, including background checks, a large surety bond, annual renewal fees, residency and distance restrictions, routine inspections, and formal enforcement steps.

Who It Affects

• Operators and owners of Colbert County community reentry programs who must obtain permits, meet requirements, post bonds, and comply with inspections and audits.
• Individuals released from sex offenses who participate in community reentry programs in Colbert County, and local residents living near program sites, who are affected by permit rules, location restrictions, and county oversight.

Key Provisions

• Requires a permit from the Colbert County Commission to operate a community reentry program in Colbert County and lets the commission set permit requirements and fees.
• Creates the Colbert County Community Reentry Committee to develop permitting requirements and to inspect programs for compliance.
• Sets application requirements: form-based application, minimum $500 permit fee, background check with a fee, and a $2,500,000 surety bond; plus other county-imposed requirements.
• Imposes residency restrictions on facilities mirroring those for adult sex offenders; prohibits operation within 2,000 feet of residential areas, churches, parks, schools, or minor activity facilities.
• Requires annual renewal of permits with a minimum $500 renewal fee; permits may expire if renewal fees are unpaid.
• Requires a new permit for any change in ownership of a permitted program.
• Directs inspections of community reentry programs at least twice per year and provides access for inspectors to records.
• Authorizes suspension or revocation of permits by the county commission based on noncompliance, and allows court-ordered closure of facilities.
• Mandates an annual CPA audit of program finances after each fiscal year and requires copies to be sent to the county commission and the committee.
• Applies to all community reentry programs in Colbert County with no exemption for existing programs.

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