The Alabama chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is celebrating the passage of three bills related to the state's Board of Pardons and Paroles in the recently concluded legislative session, two of which had Republican sponsors.
The first was House Bill 86 (HB86) by State Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa), which expanded the list of factors the state parole board must consider when determining an inmate's release. The new considerations now include an inmate's employment while incarcerated, any education obtained, and the inmate's risk of re-offense. It also requires the board to clearly articulate the reason for its approval or denial of an inmate's parole and to provide that reason to the inmate, victims or the Department of Corrections upon written request.
"These legislative wins did not happen in isolation; they are the direct result of sustained advocacy," said Nichelle Cunningham, an ACLU of Alabama paralegal. "We are grateful to the lawmakers, partners, and the citizens of Alabama who have remained committed to parole reform through our Smart Justice programs, lobby days, and continued public pressure. This is what integrated, collective action looks like."
The next bill was Senate Bill 240 (SB240) sponsored by State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road). The bill allows an inmate to participate in their parole hearing via telephone, video conference, or any similar communication system that enables the inmate to interact directly with the board members.
Unless the victim or the victim's family chooses otherwise, the board will not allow an inmate to see, hear or interact with victims, victims' families or crime victim advocates who address the board or attend the hearing.
The final bill applauded by the ACLU came from State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville). Senate Bill 254 (254) changes the standards under which the board may revoke parole for violations of the terms of release.
When a parolee is charged with a new crime, the parole court shall make a finding as to whether the hearing officer is reasonably satisfied, based on the evidence, that the parolee committed the new offense before the parole was revoked.
Despite praising the handful of perceived legislative victories, the ACLU also bemoaned the legislature, claiming "lawmakers did little to address the systemic failures driving overcrowding and violence in Alabama's prisons."
"Alabama's prison crisis is felt not only by the person in prison but also by their families and friends, waiting with little information and fading hope for the day their loved one will return to them," said A'Niya Robinson, the ACLU of Alabama's policy and organizing director. "It is past time that lawmakers consider real, meaningful reform of our prison system so that more people can lead productive lives in their community instead of growing older and sicker inside Alabama's dangerously unconstitutional prisons."
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