The bill SB200 amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to transition from "drug courts" to "accountability courts," expanding their focus to include offenders with mental illness and veterans in need of substance abuse or mental health services. The new legal language specifies that accountability courts will serve these individuals, and it introduces the "Honorable Pete Johnson Alabama Accountability Court Act" as the new title for the relevant chapter. The bill also repeals Section 12-23A-7, which relates to drug testing procedures, and makes various deletions and insertions to reflect the updated terminology and broadened focus of the courts. Key definitions are revised, including the definition of "accountability court," which now encompasses a wider range of offenders, and the term "substance" is clarified to include various forms of substance abuse.

Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for accountability courts that allows presiding judges, with district attorney consent, to create these courts for treatment as part of pretrial release, probation, or diversion programs. It outlines eligibility criteria for offenders, including restrictions based on violent charges or previous convictions, and emphasizes the importance of timely information sharing between agencies. The bill mandates that accountability courts ensure no agency provides both assessment and treatment services to avoid conflicts of interest and requires referrals to certified treatment programs. It also clarifies that individuals providing services under this chapter are granted immunity from civil liability and establishes that county commissions are not required to fund these programs. The legislation is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, with provisions for separate funding 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