SB231 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Sam GivhanSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Criminal procedures, to revise the statute of limitations for misdemeanors in certain circumstances, Sec. 15-3-2 am'd.

Summary

The bill tolls the 12-month misdemeanor statute of limitations when a defendant is in a court-approved drug rehab or diversion program.

What This Bill Does

It amends the misdemeanor statute of limitations to pause (toll) the 12-month period during any time a defendant is participating in a court-approved drug rehabilitation program or in a court-approved diversion program. This means prosecutors have more time to file charges if the defendant is in such programs. It takes effect on the first day of the third month after it becomes law.

Who It Affects

• People charged with misdemeanors in Alabama who are participating in a court-approved drug rehabilitation program or a court-approved diversion program; the time to start prosecution can be paused while they participate.
• The Alabama court system and prosecutors who handle misdemeanor cases; they must account for tolling when calculating the time limits for filing charges.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 15-3-2 to change the baseline misdemeanor statute of limitations to 12 months with tolling.
• Tolling applies during any period the offender participates in a court-approved drug rehabilitation program or a court-approved diversion program.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage/approval.

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

Subjects

Criminal Law and Procedure