§ 12-23A-3 — Legislative Intent

(a) The Legislature recognizes that a critical need exists in this state for the criminal justice system to more effectively address the number of offenders who have a substance abuse disorder, who suffer from mental illness, or who suffer from a condition related to a veteran’s mental illness or substance abuse. Requiring accountability and effective treatment, in addition to, or in place of, conventional and expensive incarceration will promote public safety, promote the welfare of the individuals involved, reduce the burden upon the State Treasury, and benefit the common welfare of this state. The goals of this chapter are to do all of the following:
(1) Enhance community safety and quality of life for citizens.
(2) Reduce recidivism.
(3) Hold offenders accountable for their criminal behavior.
(4) Restore offenders to productive, law-abiding, and taxpaying citizens.
(5) Promote effective interaction and use of resources among criminal justice and community agencies.
(6) Reduce the costs of incarceration.
(7) Improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system.
(b) As a general proposition, all offenders should receive timely eligibility screening and, where indicated, assessment and the appropriate level of treatment. The criminal justice system should be used constructively to motivate offenders to accept treatment and engage in the treatment process.

Legislative History

(Act 2010-754, p. 1909, §3; Act 2025-183, §1.)