Alabama 2023 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB232

Introduced
4/4/23  
Refer
4/4/23  
Report Pass
4/11/23  
Report Pass
4/11/23  
Engrossed
4/13/23  
Refer
4/13/23  
Report Pass
5/2/23  
Report Pass
5/2/23  
Enrolled
5/4/23  

Caption

Relating to the City of Tuscaloosa; to amend Section 8 of Act 2011-660, 2011 Regular Session (Acts 2011, p. 1751) to further provide that crime prevention programs and the Behavioral Health Unit of the Tuscaloosa Police Department shall share in the disbursement of application fees from the pretrial diversion program.

Impact

The implications of HB 232 are significant as they establish a framework for funding essential programs that could improve community safety and mental health resources within Tuscaloosa. By ensuring that a minimum of 25% of application fees is allocated to technology and training for law enforcement as well as to crime prevention programs, the bill promotes a more proactive approach to addressing crime and supporting community health initiatives. Additionally, the bill allows for fees to be waived for applicants facing financial hardship, thus expanding access to diversion opportunities for eligible individuals.

Summary

House Bill 232 aims to amend Section 8 of Act 2011-660 related to the City of Tuscaloosa, specifically addressing the allocation of application fees collected from offenders participating in the pretrial diversion program. This bill stipulates that fees collected will be used to support crime prevention programs and the Behavioral Health Unit of the Tuscaloosa Police Department, thereby enhancing the resources available to the local law enforcement agency. The structured fee system aims to generate revenue that can be directly funneled into vital community safety initiatives.

Sentiment

General sentiment towards HB 232 appears to be positive, particularly among supporters who recognize the potential for enhanced community safety and mental health support through the allocated funds. The bill's provisions that ensure financial barriers do not prevent participation in the pretrial diversion program reflect a consideration of social equity. However, some may express concerns regarding the reliance on fees for funding essential programs, which could lead to disparities based on an offender's financial situation, presenting a point of contention for critics.

Contention

Notable contentions surrounding HB 232 could arise from discussions on the effectiveness and equity of funding crime prevention solely through offender fees. While the bill is designed to support important initiatives, opponents might argue that it could inadvertently create a system where access to rehabilitation is contingent on financial capability, raising ethical concerns. Furthermore, future debates may center on the adequacy of the allocated funds and the overall impact on community safety and wellness as the programs funded evolve with the local law enforcement needs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL SB49

Constitutional Amendment-Tuscaloosa Co.-referendum on the merger of the governments for the City of Tuscaloosa and Northport.

AL SB86

Tuscaloosa County; Tuscaloosa City Board of Education, jurisdiction to include only territory within city limits, territory outside of City of Tuscaloosa city limits, included in jurisdiction of county board of education, ad valorem taxes redistributed, Constitutional Amendment.

AL HB175

Tuscaloosa, ad valorem tax, add increase up to 11.5 mills auth for public school purposes

AL HB384

Tuscaloosa County, sheriff, service of process fees for personal service, distribution of funds to circuit clerk, sheriff, district attorney, and probate judge.

AL SB228

Tuscaloosa County, special fund to be used to match federal funds for eastern bypass, constitutional amendment

AL SB44

Tuscaloosa County, Constitutional Amendment, sales and use tax, additional required to be approved by referendum in a general election

AL SB201

Retail Theft Crime Prevention Act; required payment of restitution, further provided to include housing and care costs incurred

AL HB296

Retail Theft Crime Prevention Act; required payment of restitution, further provided to include housing and care costs incurred

AL SB200

Drug courts; name changed to "accountability courts," eligibility expanded to include veterans and individuals with mental illness, duties of Administrative Office of Courts further provided for

AL HB410

Bail Bonds; Bail Reform Act of 1993 and Bail Bond Regulatory Act amended; certain undeposited fees forgiven; penalties for crime of bail jumping increased; to provide further for conditional forfeitures, out-of-state bondsmen and sureties, limitations on property owners as sureties; to provide further for the definition of an employee of a professional bail bond company or professional surety company, for the licensing and duties of apprentices; to increase the membership of the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board; provide for a late fee for renewals; and to require applicants for licensing to be residents of this state for at least one year

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.