MONTGOMERY, AL – The Alabama Senate has approved Senate Bill 178, known as the Speedy Trial Act, a measure aimed at expediting trials for violent criminal cases, reducing court backlogs, and ensuring timely justice for victims. Sponsored by Senate Judiciary Chairman Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road), the bill now moves to the Alabama House of Representatives for further consideration.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall praised the Senate’s action, stating that the bill represents a critical step toward a more efficient justice system. He highlighted that ensuring violent criminals are held accountable without unnecessary delays is essential for victims and public safety.
Under current Alabama law, the state supreme court has the authority to appoint special judges, but prosecutors have lacked a formal process to request additional judicial resources to address the backlog of violent crime cases.
The Speedy Trial Act aims to close this gap by:
- Allowing district attorneys or the Attorney General to formally request temporary judicial appointments to handle backlogged cases.
- Establishing the Speedy Trial Fund to provide financial resources for special judges, court reporters, and additional juries, helping to eliminate delays caused by logistical and resource constraints.
The House companion bill, House Bill 307, is sponsored by House Judiciary Chairman Jim Hill (R-Moody) and was advanced by the House Judiciary Committee last week. If approved, the legislation would provide a structured process to accelerate violent crime trials while maintaining judicial fairness.
Supporters of the bill argue that delays in trials can negatively impact victims, witnesses, and case outcomes, making timely proceedings essential for public safety and judicial efficiency.
The Alabama House is expected to take up House Bill 307 in the coming weeks.
