HB14 Summary

• Section 14-3-58 is renamed the "Joel Willmore Act" and amends requirements for notifying authorities when an inmate escapes from a penal facility.

• Corrections department or agency must notify the Governor, Department of Public Safety, local sheriffs, district attorneys, police chiefs, and electronic media outlets within 12 hours of an escape.

• Notifications must include the time and circumstances of the escape, a detailed description of the inmate, a copy of the inmate's most recent mug shot, conviction county, offense, and conviction date.

• Department must post escape notifications on its website if available within a reasonable timeframe and enter the inmate into the National Crime Information Center within 12 hours of escape.

• Department of Corrections shall offer a reward not exceeding $400 for the apprehension of an escaped inmate, payable from inmate labor proceeds once the inmate is recaptured and restored to custody.