Alabama Senate Bill SB20

Alabama 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Crimes and offenses, Sergeant Nick Risner Act, created, to prohibit anyone who commits the crime of manslaughter from receiving good time, Sec. 14-9-41 am'd.

Impact

The bill fundamentally changes the criteria for earning correctional incentive time, especially for those convicted of manslaughter. Previously, many inmates could earn such time based on behavior, allowing for potential early release. With this new law, individuals guilty of manslaughter will no longer have that opportunity, thereby keeping potentially dangerous individuals incarcerated for longer periods. The implications extend to overall prison management and how inmate rehabilitation programs may need to adjust in response to this policy change. The bill may contribute to overcrowding issues if those unable to earn early releases remain in the system longer than necessary.

Summary

SB20, also known as the Sergeant Nick Risner Act, aims to amend the Code of Alabama by prohibiting individuals convicted of manslaughter from being eligible for correctional incentive time. This act directly addresses how certain prisoners, specifically those convicted of more serious crimes like manslaughter, can accrue time off their sentences for good behavior and other factors. The bill reflects a shift toward stricter measures within the state's penal system, intending to ensure that the most serious offenders are not rewarded with reduced sentences due to good conduct while incarcerated.

Contention

Discussions around SB20 have raised several points of contention among legislators and interest groups. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step for public safety, ensuring that those who commit serious offenses are held accountable and do not benefit from early release opportunities. However, opponents have questioned the blanket nature of the law, suggesting that it removes judicial discretion and could overlook individual circumstances that warrant consideration of good behavior. Critics argue that implementing such strict measures without room for case-by-case evaluations could lead to unjust outcomes and perpetuate issues within the penal system, such as rehabilitation failure.