SJR46 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Study Commission on Pre-Trial Services and Alternative Courts, created

Summary

SJR46 creates a Study Commission on Pre-Trial Services and Alternative Courts to review and improve access and uniformity of pre-trial diversion and alternative court programs in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a dedicated study commission to examine how people enter pre-trial diversion or alternative courts, with goals of making these services more uniform and accessible, considering costs, indigency, effectiveness, and consistency. The commission will recommend improvements and must report its findings to the Senate President Pro Tempore and the Speaker of the House by the start of the 2022 legislative session, at which point the commission will be dissolved.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents who may participate in pre-trial diversion or alternative court programs, as the study focuses on access and costs for these services.
• State lawmakers, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, bar associations, and related agencies who will participate in or be affected by the commission's work and its recommendations.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Study Commission on Pre-Trial Services and Alternative Courts to study entrance into pre-trial diversion or alternative courts and to seek uniform, accessible services across Alabama.
• Commission composition includes 13 members: chair (Executive Director of the Alabama Sentencing Commission), two House members, two Senate members, one Senate Minority Leader appointee, one House Minority Leader appointee, two circuit court judges (one appointed by the Circuit Court Judges' Association president and one by the Alabama Supreme Court), one district attorney, the Executive Director of the Alabama Office of Prosecution Services, a practicing attorney, two representatives from legal research organizations, and a representative from the Association of County Commissions of Alabama.
• Requires appointing authorities to ensure the commission reflects racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity.
• Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses; legislative members receive per diem and travel under constitutional rules, others follow their appointing authority’s policies.
• A majority of the members constitutes a quorum; the commission meets as needed at the chair’s call.
• Initial meeting due by September 1, 2021, with appointments reported to the Executive Director of the Alabama Sentencing Commission within the first day of the third month after the Governor signs the resolution.
• The commission must submit its findings and recommendations by the first day of the 2022 legislative session, at which point it will be dissolved.

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

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative