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HB 367

Randolph County; booking fee, established

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Fincher

Alabama authorizes Randolph County to charge booking fees to arrested individuals to fund jail operations and generate county revenue.

Enacted
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Bill Summary · HB 367

Legislative bill overview

HB 367 authorizes Randolph County to establish and collect a booking fee from individuals arrested and processed through the county jail system. The fee would generate revenue for the county to offset jail operation costs. The bill has passed both legislative chambers and is ready for enactment.

Why is this important

Booking fees directly impact arrestees and low-income individuals who may struggle to pay additional costs during the criminal justice process. The revenue generated affects county budgets and jail operations, potentially influencing detention practices and jail conditions. This represents a broader trend of counties using fees to fund criminal justice systems rather than general tax revenue.

Potential points of contention

  • Regressive impact on poor defendants: Booking fees disproportionately burden individuals with limited financial resources, potentially creating barriers to timely case resolution or bail payment
  • Debt accumulation in criminal justice: Fees can compound with fines, restitution, and court costs, creating long-term financial consequences for individuals convicted or arrested but not charged
  • Lack of transparency on fee amounts: The bill authorizes fee establishment but doesn't specify the amount, leaving the fee level to county discretion without legislative oversight

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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