HB332 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Allen TreadawayRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Municipalities; warrant procedures, certain digital, electronic, or telephonic means of obtaining a warrant authorized
Summary: HB332 would let warrants for certain municipal violations be issued remotely (by video, digital, or telephone) without the affiant being physically present, for offenses that could be cited instead of arrest.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes warrants for violations subject to citation-in-lieu-of-arrest to be sworn and issued by a judge or magistrate remotely. It expands the summons-and-complaint option to allow officers to issue a citation in lieu of arrest for municipal ordinance violations or certain misdemeanors within a municipality, with the officer acting as an agent of the municipality and the municipality liable for their actions. It also sets limits on when this option can be used (certain violent offenses, safety risks, and some substance offenses are restricted, with exceptions), requires a standard form and notice terms, and creates processes for appearance, pleas, fines, and bail. It takes effect October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects
Municipal governments and their law enforcement officers, who would issue summonses, collect fines, and be liable for officers' actions under this system.
Individuals charged with municipal ordinance violations or certain misdemeanors who could be subject to a summons-and-complaint procedure or remote warrant, with the option to plead guilty, post bail, or contest the charge in court.

Key Provisions
Allows warrants for violations subject to summons-and-complaint to be sworn and issued remotely (video, digital, or telephone) without affiant's physical presence.
Authorizes the summons-and-complaint procedure in lieu of custodial arrest for municipal ordinance violations or misdemeanors within municipal jurisdiction; officers act as agents of the municipality; municipality liable for actions.
Lists specific exceptions where summons-and-complaint cannot be used (e.g., violent crimes, risk to public safety, certain substance offenses, and various other listed categories).
Requires a standardized summons-and-complaint form with court name, defendant, offense description, date/time/place, officer signature, court date, settlement explanation, and magistrate signature.
Requires officers to collect identifying information and issue a summons if someone is arrested for a qualifying offense, releasing them on a written promise to appear; allows custody if the person refuses to sign.
Allows remote warrant issuance with technology other than video/phone if approved by the presiding judge and district attorney.
Municipality must adopt a schedule of fines before implementing the system; filing fees apply and go to designated funds as specified by law.
If the charged individual fails to appear, the court may issue a warrant; failing to appear after a written promise or bond is a separate misdemeanor.
All fines and costs from convictions or bail forfeitures go to the municipality's general fund unless otherwise provided by law.
Effective date: October 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: Counties & Municipalities