HB16 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Alabama Bail Reform Act of 1993, definition of cash bail revised to allow the court to accept less than the total sum ordered

Summary

HB16 allows a partial cash bail deposit, not the full amount, to be accepted if approved by the judge who sets the bail.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 15-13-111 to let a cash bail deposit be less than the total bail amount, with approval from the judicial officer. It also lets the clerk of the court accept this lesser cash amount, again with officer approval. The bill keeps the four kinds of bail (judicial public bail, cash bail, professional surety bail, property bail) and their definitions, but expands cash bail to include partial payments. The measure becomes effective June 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Defendants or their representatives who might be able to post only part of the cash bail if approved by the judge.
• Court personnel (clerks and judges) who would have the authority to accept a reduced cash bail amount during posting.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes accepting less than the total cash bail amount when set by a judicial officer, with approval.
• Authorizes the clerk of the court to accept a lesser cash bail amount, upon approval by the officer who set the bail.
• Keeps the four bail kinds—judicial public bail, cash bail, professional surety bail, and property bail—and defines cash bail as a deposit of part or all of the bail amount.
• Effective date: June 1, 2024.

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 Procedure