The bill SB200 proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the existing drug court system in Alabama, renaming "drug courts" to "accountability courts" and expanding their scope to include offenders with mental illness and veterans. Key insertions include the definition of "accountability court" to encompass individuals needing mental health services and the introduction of "evidence-based programs" aimed at enhancing treatment options. The bill emphasizes rehabilitation over punitive measures, aiming to improve community safety, reduce recidivism, and promote the welfare of individuals involved in the justice system. It also establishes a framework for accountability courts, allowing presiding judges to create these courts with the district attorney's consent, and outlines the conditions for participation, including the requirement of a written agreement and the potential for incentives and sanctions based on performance.

Additionally, the bill repeals certain provisions related to drug testing procedures and modifies existing definitions and terms throughout the law. It removes the requirement for jurisdictions to establish a system for placing drug offenders into treatment programs, instead focusing on ensuring that accountability courts do not have conflicts of interest in providing assessment and treatment services. The bill mandates the collection of data on offenders to evaluate the effectiveness of the accountability court system and emphasizes the protection of privacy for drug offenders. It also clarifies that county commissions are not obligated to fund these programs and establishes eligibility criteria for offenders, including restrictions based on violent charges or previous convictions. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and includes provisions for separate funding for accountability courts 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