Alabama Senate Advances Bill to Restructure Pardons and Parole Board
Montgomery, AL – In a pivotal move, the Alabama Senate passed Senate Bill 324 on Thursday, aimed at restructuring the Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole. The legislation, spearheaded by Sen. Clyde Chambliss, expands board membership from three to five members and mandates Senate confirmation for each appointee. Additionally, it transfers the responsibility of selecting the chair from the governor to the board itself.
Chambliss advocated for the bill following what he described as a “fiasco” involving board leadership during a legislative oversight meeting last year, where lawmakers expressed concerns about the board’s alarming record-low parole rates and its failure to address crucial questions regarding parole rate guidelines for more than a year.
The Senate passed the bill with a vote of 16-8, reflecting some bipartisan support, notably from Democratic lawmakers. However, the vote tally also indicated that ten legislators, predominantly Republicans, chose not to participate.
In a statement to Alabama Daily News, Chambliss expressed gratitude for the support from his Senate colleagues and emphasized the bill’s progression to the House. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Hill is expected to lead the House discussions. With only five legislative days remaining this session, Chambliss remains optimistic about the bill’s potential for final passage.
As discussions continue, the proposed changes to the Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole signify a notable shift in how the state manages parole processes, aiming to enhance accountability and responsiveness within the board amid ongoing concerns about its operational effectiveness.
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