Alabama Senate Bill SB248

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/23
• Refer: 4/25/23
• Report Pass: 5/10/23

Caption

Relating to pardons and paroles; to add Article 1A, commencing with Section 15-22-10.01 to Chapter 22 of Title 15, Code of Alabama 1975, to reconstitute the Board of Pardons and Paroles as the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles; to reorganize the functions and duties of the bureau and to provide for the duties of the Board of Pardons and Paroles within the bureau; to transfer certain language relating to pardons and paroles to a new article within the Code of Alabama 1975; to specify the duties and responsibilities of the Director of the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles and to provide for the personnel of the bureau; to amend 15-18-71, 15-18-72, 15-18-74, 15-18-76, 15-18-77, 15-22-42, 15-22-43, 15-22-51, 15-22-53, and Section 15-22-54, as corrected by Act 2022-371, the Codification Act, 2022 Regular Session, and Sections 15-22-56 and 15-22-57, Code of Alabama 1975, to delete duplicative language; to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style; to amend Sections 12-17-184, 14-1-22, 14-1-23, 14-14-5, 15-18-176, 15-20A-48, 15-22-111, 15-22-112, Section 15-22-113, as last amended by Act 2022-382, 2022 Regular Session, Sections 15-22-115, 15-23-79, and 17-3-31, Code of Alabama 1975, to update relevant cross-references in existing law; and to repeal Sections 15-22-20, 15-22-21, 15-22-21.1, 15-22-22, 15-22-23, 15-22-24, 15-22-25, 15-22-26, 15-22-26.1, 15-22-26.2, 15-22-27, 15-22-27.1, 15-22-27.2, 15-22-27.3, 15-22-27.4, 15-22-28, 15-22-29, 15-22-29.1, 15-22-30, 15-22-30.1, 15-22-30.2, 15-22-31, 15-22-32, 15-22-33, 15-22-34, 15-22-35, 15-22-36, 15-22-36.1, 15-22-36.2, 15-22-36.3, 15-22-37, 15-22-38, 15-22-39, and 15-22-40, Code of Alabama 1975.

Impact

The impact of SB248 on state laws involves a significant restructuring of how pardons and paroles are administered in Alabama. This bill aims to eliminate outdated and duplicative language in existing laws, streamlining the process and enhancing clarity regarding the roles and responsibilities of the Bureau and its personnel. As part of this reorganization, the bill also seeks to prioritize individualized assessments of offenders to align their treatment and supervision with their risks of reoffending, which may lead to more effective outcomes in reducing recidivism.

Summary

SB248 proposes to reconstitute the Board of Pardons and Paroles as the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, modifying its structure and clarifying its responsibilities. The bill introduces Article 1A to Chapter 22 of Title 15 in the Code of Alabama 1975, outlining the duties of the Bureau and its director. It emphasizes the role of the Bureau in granting paroles, pardons, and handling revocations, thus centralizing these functions within a single organization focused on effective rehabilitation and supervision of offenders.

Contention

Although the bill aims to improve the efficiency of pardon and parole processes, it may face contention regarding the balance between rehabilitation and public safety. Issues may arise concerning the adequacy of resources allocated to support the Bureau's expanded duties, especially regarding mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. Additionally, the changes proposed could stir debates around the transparency and accountability of the decisions made by the Bureau, especially in contexts involving high-risk offenders.