SB101 Summary

• Makes it unlawful for inmates in Alabama Department of Corrections custody to possess cellular phones, wireless communication devices, or computers allowing input/output/transfer of programs, except when authorized by prison officials.

• Makes it unlawful for any person to possess with intent to deliver, or to deliver, such devices to inmates, and makes it unlawful for Department of Corrections employees to deliver these devices to inmates.

• Violations of inmate possession, failure to provide identity/inmate number during communications, or employee delivery constitute Class C felonies.

• Authorizes confiscation of cellular phones or wireless devices found in possession of visitors during searches or metal detector screening, with required posted notices in visitor search areas.

• Allows Alabama Department of Corrections to enter into contracts to detect unauthorized inmate communications by cellular phone or wireless devices; takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and approval.