Voting rights restoration, application requirement eliminated, Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine eligibility to receive Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, indigent individual's voting rights to be restored if individual is in compliance with approved payment plan for payment of fines, court costs and fees, Secs. 15-22-36.1, 17-3-31 am'd.
Impact
This legislation impacts existing state laws related to voting rights by amending the Code of Alabama to streamline the restoration process. Specifically, it requires the Board of Pardons and Paroles to issue certificates based on compliance with the law rather than an application process. Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions to assist indigent individuals by allowing them to restore their voting rights through community service or approved payment plans, thus addressing economic barriers to access voting.
Summary
House Bill 53 proposes to simplify the process of restoring voting rights for individuals who have had their rights revoked due to criminal convictions. Currently, individuals must apply to the Board of Pardons and Paroles for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote after fulfilling certain conditions, such as completing probation and paying fines. HB53 eliminates this application requirement, shifting the responsibility to the Board to proactively determine eligibility for individuals who have been pardoned or released from incarceration. The bill intends to facilitate easier access to voting rights restoration, especially for those who may have struggled under the previous system.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB53 include concerns regarding the potential for misuse or inconsistent application of these new provisions by the Board of Pardons and Paroles. Critics may argue that allowing the Board to unilaterally determine eligibility could introduce biases or result in unequal treatment of applicants. Additionally, there may be disagreements about whether it sufficiently addresses the needs of all individuals impacted by felony disenfranchisement, particularly those with more severe offenses, which still disqualify individuals from regaining their voting rights under the new regulations.
Voting rights, restoration, application requirement and Certificate of Eligibility eliminated; Board of Pardons and Paroles to restore voting rights for individuals who meet criteria for restoration of voting rights
Restoration of Voting Rights; notification to convicted individuals seeking restoration; Pardons and Paroles Board required to notify individuals and Secretary of State when voting rights restored
Restoration of Voting Rights; notification to convicted individuals seeking restoration; Pardons and Paroles Board required to notify individuals and Secretary of State when voting rights restored
Elections; Alabama Voting Rights Act Commission established to prevent discrimination in voting; duties and membership provided; Secretary of State required to establish database on election administration
Elections; Alabama Voting Rights Act Commission established to prevent discrimination in voting; duties and membership provided; Secretary of State required to establish database on election administration
Drug courts; name changed to "accountability courts," eligibility expanded to include veterans and individuals with mental illness, duties of Administrative Office of Courts further provided for
Drug courts; name changed to "accountability courts," eligibility expanded to include veterans and individuals with mental illness, duties of Administrative Office of Courts further provided for
Alabama Board of Registered Interior Designers, prohibitions on size and type of building they may work on removed, right to discipline non-registered individuals restored, exemptions provided
Pardons and Paroles, requirements for release on parole further provided for, apply for appellate relief when parole denied in certain circumstances, require medical parole hearing held within a certain time frame, allow an inmate released on medical furlough place of residence