SB 339 Alabama Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Crenshaw County; authorize law enforcement to take individual with mental illness into protective custody under certain conditions; legal immunity provided

This bill authorizes law enforcement officers in Crenshaw County to take individuals with mental illness into protective custody when they pose an immediate danger to themselves or others. The officer must transport the person to a hospital or treatment facility for evaluation, and if the individual does not consent, reasonable force may be used. The person must be released within 72 hours unless a judge orders further treatment, and the custody is not considered an arrest or criminal charge. Law enforcement officers and medical providers acting in good faith under this bill receive immunity from civil liability.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Signed into Law

Mar 2026

Introduced Mar 3, 2026 Signed Mar 31, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Enrolled · 4 edits · Mar 31, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was finalized and enrolled, incorporating a critical update to the definition of a 'law enforcement officer' to require certification by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission. Additionally, the text was reorganized to include a new provision clarifying that officers must coordinate immediate release and transport individuals back to their residence upon request, alongside expanded liability protections for state agents.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains limited to Crenshaw County, but the eligibility criteria for officers exercising protective custody authority were tightened by adding a specific certification requirement.

DEFINITION

Updated the definition of 'law enforcement officer' to explicitly require certification by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission.

REQUIREMENT

Added a specific requirement for officers to coordinate immediate release and transport individuals to their residence or place of abode if within the county upon the individual's request.

ENFORCEMENT

Expanded civil liability protections to explicitly include hospitals, physicians, and other treatment facilities as state agents acting under the bill.

TECHNICAL

Included standard enrolled bill signatures and certification language from the Senate and House of Representatives.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 931

lower

Mar 11, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Local Legislation)

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 745

upper

Mar 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

upper

Mar 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Local Legislation )

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors