The bill amends Sections 12-15-128 and 12-15-208 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to introduce electronic monitoring for juveniles released from custody under certain conditions. It allows the Board of Pardons and Paroles or other state agencies to electronically monitor alleged delinquent children whose actions would be classified as felonies if committed by adults, specifically Class A, B, or C felonies involving dangerous instruments. Additionally, electronic monitoring is mandated for juveniles with three or more prior felony offenses. The bill also clarifies the language regarding the release of children into the care of suitable individuals by replacing "person" with "individual."
Moreover, the bill modifies the detention criteria for status offenders who violate valid court orders, allowing for a first violation to result in detention for up to 72 hours and subsequent violations for up to seven days, contingent upon a written detention order. The previous six-month limitation for such detentions has been removed. It emphasizes immediate notification to juvenile court officials upon a status offender's detention and outlines specific assessment and reporting procedures. The bill also prohibits the detention of individuals under 18 in adult jails, mandates hearings for violations, and ensures that children do not have contact with adult inmates. It requires the Department of Youth Services to develop a statewide juvenile detention system and mandates law enforcement to provide security and transportation for children to juvenile facilities. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 12-15-128, 12-15-208
Engrossed: 12-15-128, 12-15-208
Enrolled: 12-15-128, 12-15-208