The Alabama Senate Wednesday gave final approval to a bill expanding the criteria the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles must review when making parole decisions.
House Bill 86 by Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, was one of four Democrat-sponsored bills the Senate passed quickly before adjourning, a day after effectively locking the minority party out of bill discussions.
Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, thanked the supermajority after the bills’ passage, saying that’s how the process should work.
House Bill 86 mandates that the ABPP consider an inmate’s employment and education while incarcerated. It also requires board members to recognize if an incarcerated person is at low risk to reoffend upon release in their decision.
The bill is now ready to go to Gov. Kay Ivey.
The other bills were:
House Bill 128 by Rep. Marilyn Lands, D-Huntsville, authorizing the State Board of Midwifery to accept gifts and grants. It now goes to the governor.
Senate Bill 364, introduced by Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, would require public schools to teach students conflict resolution starting in the sixth grade. It now goes to a House committee.
Senate Bill 318 by Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, expands the definition of the crime of sexual torture. It now goes to a House committee.
There are four legislative days remaining in the session.