HB429 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Ernie YarbroughRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Lawrence County, establishing a work release and community corrections program
Summary: HB429 would create a Lawrence County work release and community corrections program to help rehabilitate certain inmates through temporary release, with a county fund and commission to run it.
What This Bill Does
It allows courts to release eligible defendants or inmates before sentencing or during a sentence for work and rehabilitation under court-ordered terms. It creates the Lawrence County Community Corrections and Court Services Fund and a nine-member Commission to administer the program, collect and distribute revenues (including 20% to the Sheriff and 25% of gross work release earnings to the fund), and oversee related services. It establishes credits toward sentences for time spent outside jail, rules for compliance and possible revocation, and pretrial release procedures; municipalities can participate and fees or payroll deductions may be used to fund the program; the act includes funding, auditing, and governance provisions and becomes effective October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects
Defendants and inmates in Lawrence County who may be released temporarily for rehabilitation or ordered to participate in work release programs, with time credits and earnings deductions affecting their sentences and finances
Lawrence County officials (Sheriff, judges, district attorney, county commissioners), the Lawrence County Community Corrections and Court Services Commission, participating municipalities, employers, and the courts that administer and fund the program

Key Provisions
Establishes a temporary work release program allowing certain prisoners to be released before sentencing or during sentence for rehabilitation under court terms
Creates the Lawrence County Community Corrections and Court Services Fund and a nine-member Commission to administer the program, hire staff, and oversee grants and operations
Requires 25% of gross earnings from work release to go to the fund and directs 20% of revenues to the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement use; allows payroll deductions to collect amounts due; funds are used for salaries, administration, transportation, and program costs
Provides sentence credits: one day credit for each day outside jail and for partial days; imposes penalties for escape or failure to comply with release terms
Establishes pretrial release standards and appearance bonds with possible additional conditions to ensure appearance and public safety; allows waivers of certain fees and requires deposits; all funds go to the county fund unless otherwise directed
Allows municipalities to participate and contribute revenue from work release to the fund; enables grants and grants management; requires annual audits and public accountability
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: Incarceration