SB36 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 10, 2021

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Greg AlbrittonSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Parole and Probation violations, limits of confinement for parole and probation violations further revised, provide that the Dept. of Corrections shall reimburse the counties for health care costs of state parolees and probationers, require the Dept. of Corrections to designate county jails for confinement of parole and probation violators, require courts to send electronic notification when a defendant sentenced to Dept. of Corrections, Secs. 14-3-30, 15-22-29, 15-22-32, 15-22-52, 15-22-54 am'd.
Summary: SB36 changes how parole and probation violations are handled by limiting confinement, shifting housing to designated county jails with DOC reimbursement for health care, and updating electronic notifications to the Department of Corrections.
What This Bill Does
It clarifies and limits confinement for parole and probation violations, allowing short, supervised periods up to 45 days per incident and up to three such periods, with total confinement not exceeding the original sentence. It requires the Department of Corrections to reimburse counties for health care costs of state parolees and probationers housed in county jails, and to cover these costs if the state funds are available. It directs the DOC to designate at least three county jail facilities to house and care for violators, establish a process to select them, and compensate counties with a daily rate (actual cost plus 20%) plus coverage for liability insurance. It also requires courts to send electronic notifications to the DOC when sentencing defendants to state custody, and creates the framework for a parole revocation hearing process and related oversight.

Who It Affects
Parolees and probationers: their confinement options are expanded to include short periods of confinement (up to 45 days per period, up to three periods) in designated facilities, with total confinement limited to the original sentence; health care costs while confined in county facilities are handled by the state, not the counties.
Counties, sheriffs, county jails, and the Department of Corrections: counties will host violators in designated jails under formal agreements, receive monthly payments and health care reimbursements from the state, and must cooperate with DOC in selecting and operating the designated facilities; the DOC and courts will coordinate electronic notifications and transfer processes.

Key Provisions
Revises confinement for parole/probation violations: allows up to 45 consecutive days of confinement per violation, with a maximum of three periods and total confinement not exceeding the original sentence; confinement can occur in a consenting county jail or DOC custody, with specific rules for timing and transfer.
Health care cost reimbursement: counties are not financially responsible for health care costs of parolees/probationers in county jails; the DOC must reimburse actual health care costs and related transportation/mileage, paid within 30 days of invoicing; if state funds are insufficient, confinement may be delayed until funds are available.
Designation and selection of county jails: the DOC must designate at least three county jail facilities for housing violators, in agreement with county commissions and sheriffs; counties must submit MOAs and be selected through an annual process with inspections; the daily housing rate is the actual cost plus 20% and includes coverage for liability insurance.
Electronic court notifications: courts or clerks must electronically notify the DOC when a defendant is sentenced to DOC custody; transfers to DOC custody occur within set timeframes and are documented electronically.
Parole revocation process: establishes a Parole Revocation Hearing Officer role and a formal parole court process with guidelines, hearings within 20 business days, and due process rights for violators; the board may revoke or reinstate parole based on these proceedings.
Techn ical updates and effective dates: includes nonsubstantive revisions to modernize language; Section 1/3 effective October 1, 2021, with Section 3 effective immediately after governor's approval (as applicable).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Pardons and Paroles