Pretrial detention hearings; procedure revised
HB 228 revises Alabama's pretrial detention process for defendants charged with serious crimes like murder, rape, terrorism, or domestic violence. It requires courts to hold a detention hearing within 10 days of arrest (reducing the prior 45-day window), mandates written justifications for denying bail within 48 hours, and ensures defendants can present evidence and have counsel. The bill specifically applies to cases involving offenses listed in Section 15-13-3(c), including violent crimes and human trafficking. These changes streamline detention decisions while preserving due process rights during hearings.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House Passage
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 14, 2026
Last action Mar 11, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Introduced
→
Engrossed
·
4 edits
·
Feb 10, 2026
MODERATE
This bill updates Alabama's criminal procedure laws regarding pretrial hearings and bail. It clarifies that a pretrial detention hearing can satisfy a defendant's right to a preliminary hearing and establishes strict timelines for when these hearings must occur, including a 10-day window for setting the hearing after arrest. The bill also lists specific serious offenses where defendants may be denied bail and outlines the rights defendants have during these hearings.
Scope change
The bill expands the applicability of pretrial detention hearing rules to ensure they satisfy preliminary hearing rights and clarifies the list of offenses eligible for bail denial.
TIMELINE
Changed the deadline for setting a pretrial detention hearing to within 10 days of arrest, with specific limits on continuances.
REQUIREMENT
Clarified that a pretrial detention hearing satisfies the statutory right to a preliminary hearing for felony charges.
ELIGIBILITY
Updated the list of offenses for which a court may deny bail, including specific crimes like murder, kidnapping, and terrorism.
DEFINITION
Reorganized and clarified the statutory language regarding when a defendant is held without bail versus when a hearing is required.
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
13
Key actions
6
Committee
4
Amendments
2
Mar 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported Out of Committee Second House
upper
Feb 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Pending Committee Action in Second House (Judiciary)
upper
Feb 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 354
lower
Feb 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 353
lower
Feb 10, 2026
Introduced
Judiciary Engrossed Substitute Offered (Judiciary)
lower
Jan 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported Out of Committee House of Origin (Judiciary)
lower
Jan 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Judiciary)
lower
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
No sponsor information available.
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