Legislature passes the speedy trial bill Ensuring Justice Without Delays

May 6, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, AL – The Alabama Senate passed the Speedy Trial Act - House Bill 307 (HB307). The legislation is designed to bring criminal cases to trial faster ensuring that justice is done.

HB307 was sponsored in the Alabama House of Representatives by state Representative Jim Hill (R-Odenville) and Rep. Jim Carns (R-Vestavia Hills). It was carried in the Alabama Senate by Senator Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road).

HB307 was a priority for Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall (R).

The Speedy Trial Act is designed to expedite trials for violent criminal cases, reduce court backlogs, and ensure swift justice for victims. The legislation was created to expedite trials for violent criminal cases, reduce court backlogs, and ensure swift justice for victims.

"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. "I applaud the Legislature for passing this 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."

Under current Alabama law, the state supreme court has the authority to appoint special judges, but there has been no formal process for prosecutors to request additional judicial resources to address the backlog of 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 would now allow district attorneys or the Attorney General to request temporary judicial appointments for specific backlogged violent crime cases. 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.

"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."

The Speedy Trial Bill in Alabama represents a significant legislative effort aimed at addressing one of the most pressing issues within the state's judicial system: the timely prosecution of criminal cases. The bill addresses the problem that is the state's backlog of criminal cases.

It allows the chief justice to appoint a retired judge or other judge to address the backlog in a county where there is a need.