SB200 Summary

• Renames "drug courts" to "accountability courts" and expands eligibility to include offenders with mental illness and veterans, in addition to those with substance abuse issues.

• Allows accountability courts to serve offenders in pre-adjudication, post-adjudication, reentry, probation violation, or combination programs based on evidence-based practices rather than the previous ten key components framework.

• Transfers rule-making authority from the Alabama Supreme Court to the Administrative Office of Courts (AOC), which shall adopt policies and procedures for planning, implementation, and development of accountability courts statewide.

• Requires accountability courts to be funded as a separate line item in the annual General Fund Budget Act.

• Repeals Section 12-23A-7 regarding drug testing procedures and becomes effective October 1, 2025.