Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed his appreciation for the Alabama Senate's approval of House Bill 307, which is now awaiting the Governor's signature. The bill aims to expedite trials in violent criminal cases, reduce court backlogs, and ensure victims receive timely justice.
"This legislation is another step towards making Alabama safer by holding violent offenders accountable and ensuring that more victims receive timely justice," said Attorney General Steve Marshall.
Marshall commended the Legislature for passing the bill with bipartisan support. "It will deliver long-overdue efficiency to our courts, help restore public confidence in our criminal justice system, and most importantly, show that crime victims have not been forgotten. My Office will be ready on Day 1 to make our own request for speedy trials in a few prominent cases that have been needlessly delayed."
Currently, Alabama law allows the state supreme court to appoint special judges but lacks a formal process for prosecutors to request additional judicial resources for backlogged violent crime cases. House Bill 307, sponsored by House Judiciary Chairman Jim Hill (R-Moody) and carried in the Senate by Senate Judiciary Chairman Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road), would permit district attorneys or the Attorney General to request temporary judicial appointments for specific cases. The bill also establishes the Speedy Trial Fund to provide financial resources for special judges, court reporters, and additional juries.
"I am grateful to our bill sponsors, as well as Speaker Ledbetter and Pro Tem Gudger, for making this a priority. I am also especially grateful to Chief Justice Sarah Stewart for her thoughtful input during the drafting of this bill," Marshall added.