The bill SB200 amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to rename "drug courts" as "accountability courts" and expands their scope to include offenders with mental illness and veterans. It introduces the "Honorable Pete Johnson Alabama Accountability Court Act," which outlines the responsibilities of the Administrative Office of the Courts in relation to these programs. Key changes include the removal of the requirement for jurisdictions to establish a system for placing drug offenders into treatment programs approved by the Department of Mental Health, and the introduction of terms such as "evidence-based programs." The bill also specifies eligibility criteria for accountability court participants, emphasizing that individuals whose offenses are significantly influenced by substance abuse or mental illness can now be included.

Additionally, the bill repeals Section 12-23A-7, which pertains to drug testing procedures, and clarifies that participation in accountability courts is not a right, allowing judges to create rules that align with Alabama Supreme Court policies. It mandates that accountability courts refer offenders to certified treatment programs and allows for the transfer of offenders from municipal courts without their own accountability courts. The legislation also establishes that individuals providing services under this chapter are granted immunity from civil liability and that county commissions are not required to fund these programs. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and includes provisions for accountability courts to be funded as a separate line item in the General Fund Budget Act.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-23A-1, 12-23A-2, 12-23A-3, 12-23A-4, 12-23A-5, 12-23A-6, 12-23A-8, 12-23A-9, 12-23A-10, 12-23A-11, 12-23A-12, 12-23A-13, 12-23A-7
Engrossed: 12-23A-1, 12-23A-2, 12-23A-3, 12-23A-4, 12-23A-5, 12-23A-6, 12-23A-8, 12-23A-9, 12-23A-10, 12-23A-11, 12-23A-12, 12-23A-13, 12-23A-7
Enrolled: 12-23A-1, 12-23A-2, 12-23A-3, 12-23A-4, 12-23A-5, 12-23A-6, 12-23A-8, 12-23A-9, 12-23A-10, 12-23A-11, 12-23A-12, 12-23A-13, 12-23A-7