Alabama House to consider bill to increase the use of electronic monitoring devices on troublesome teens

February 18, 2029 – MONTGOMERY, AL – The Alabama House of Representatives when it meets today is poised to consider using more electronic monitoring of youths who have shown that they have a tendency to be troublemakers.

House Bill 199 is part of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey's (R) package of bills to fight crime in the state. HB199 is being carried in the Hose of Representatives by state Representative Travis Hendrix (D-Birmingham). Hendrix is a law enforcement officer.

According to the synopsis: "Under existing law, a judge or a juvenile intake officer may impose restrictions on an allegedly delinquent child released from custody. These restrictions may include electronic monitoring. This bill would authorize the Board of Pardons and Paroles or any other state agency to provide electronic monitoring services for an allegedly delinquent child released subject to electronic monitoring."

Also, "Under existing law, a status offender is an individual charged with or adjudicated for conduct that would not be a crime if committed by an adult such as truancy, violating curfew, running away from home, or general ungovernability. This bill would repeal an existing requirement under which status offenders who violate a valid court order may not be detained in a juvenile facility for more than 72 hours within a six-month period."

Much of the crime, particularly in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile, is committed by heavily armed juveniles riding around the community looking to cause murder and mayhem. Ankle monitors are a way for law enforcement to keep track of youthful offenders, so they know who is in school or at home studying for their next test versus those who are out riding around intent on criminal mischief.

If passed by the House HB199 would still have to be passed by the Senate before it can be sent back to the Governor and signed into law.

Tuesday will be Day 6 of the 2025 Alabama Regular Legislative session. The Alabama Legislature may not meet for more than 30 days in a regular session.