SB 139 Alabama Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Pretrial detention hearings; procedure revised

This bill streamlines Alabama's pretrial process for defendants charged with serious felonies (like murder, kidnapping, or rape). It requires courts to hold a single pretrial detention hearing within 10 days of arrest, which also satisfies the defendant's right to a preliminary hearing. Continuances (delays) are limited to 21 days unless both the prosecution and defense agree, and courts must document all proceedings. Appeals of detention decisions will go directly to the Court of Criminal Appeals.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action Jan 14, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
2
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Jan 14, 2026
Upper · Passed
Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Judiciary)
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of April Weaver
April Weaver
RRepublican
AL
14