Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 307, the Speedy Trial Act, on Tuesday.
The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) and State Rep. Jim Hill (R-Moody), expedites trials for violent criminal cases, reduces backlogs and ensures swift justice for victims.
Under current Alabama law, the state supreme court has the authority to appoint special judges. Still, there has been no formal process for prosecutors to request additional judicial resources to address the backlog of violent crime cases. House Bill 307 allows district attorneys or the attorney general to request temporary judicial appointments. The legislation also establishes the Speedy Trial Fund, which ensures the availability of financial resources for special judges, court reporters, and additional juries, eliminating logistical barriers that often cause trial delays.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, Chief Justice Sarah Stewart and Barfoot joined Ivey in her office as she officially made it law on Tuesday.
“Going into this legislative session, I stated bolstering public safety would be my number one priority, and certainly, the Speedy Trial Act will be an important measure to accomplishing a Safe Alabama. In Alabama, we enforce the law, and I look forward to justice being served beginning with Aniah Blanchard’s case. Thank you to our bill sponsors, Senator Barfoot and Representative Hill, as well as Attorney General Marshall and Chief Justice Stewart, for their work on this public safety effort,” Ivey said.
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