AL HB163

Allows a circuit judge to voluntarily transfer a municipal court case to district or circuit court when the defendant qualifies for pretrial diversion, mental health court, drug court, veterans' court, or similar programs.

Transfer requires agreement between the circuit judge and the prosecuting authority, and can only occur if the county district or circuit court offers the program while the municipal court does not.

Transferred cases become exclusive jurisdiction of district and circuit courts and are prosecuted under state law charged by the municipality.

Both the municipal court and defendant retain the right to object to any transfer; the case cannot be transferred if either party objects.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.