Background: This bill proposes the creation of a Criminal Justice Policy Development Council to strengthen oversight of the Alabama Board of Pardon and Paroles. The council, composed of members of the Alabama Legislature and other state agencies, would be tasked with reviewing the board’s current guidelines for release, adopting new guidelines as necessary, and updating the Alabama Department of Corrections' classification system to better assess eligibility for parole. Those who are parole- eligible must still meet the criteria for release. However, HB40 would require the Board of Pardon and Paroles to follow its release guidelines and provide written explanation for approval or denial of any individual for consideration.
Our Position: We support HB 40. Alabama’s dysfunctional parole process undermines justice when Board members consistently deviate from guidelines for parole release. HB 40 is consistent with public safety and ensures that the Board is closely following guidelines that have been carefully assessed and implemented by a range of stakeholders in the criminal legal system.
