HB523INTRODUCED
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HB523
GFIBC66-1
By Representatives Hassell, Moore (M), Datcher, Bracy, Travis,
Tillman, Gray, England, Ensler, McCampbell, Morris, Chestnut,
Drummond, Warren, Lands, Lawrence, Daniels
RFD: Boards, Agencies and Commissions
First Read: 03-Apr-25
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7 GFIBC66-1 02/11/2025 CMH (L)bm 2025-119
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First Read: 03-Apr-25
SYNOPSIS:
This bill would further provide for parole
hearing procedures by requiring an equal amount of time
given to proponents and opponents of the parole of an
inmate, to authorize non-lawyers to speak at the
hearing, and to clarify the circumstances when board
members may offer explanations of their decision.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to paroles; to provide certain procedures for
a parole hearing; and to require the Board of Pardons and
Paroles to adopt conforming rules.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. (a) The Board of Pardons and Paroles, by
rule, shall adopt a minimum amount of time to hear advocates
for or against the parole of an inmate. The minimum amount may
be increased by the board on a case-by-case basis depending on
the complexity of the case and the number of individuals
seeking to speak. The board shall allocate the amount of time
to hear advocates for or against parole as follows:
(1) Fifty percent of the amount of time shall be
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(1) Fifty percent of the amount of time shall be
reserved for the inmate and his or her advocates for parole.
(2) Fifty percent of the amount of time shall be
reserved for any other advocate against parole.
(b) Subject to the time limitations under subsection
(a), any of the following individuals may speak for or against
an inmate's parole:
(1) Any individual authorized by the inmate to speak on
his or her behalf without regard to any state license
requirement.
(2) Any victim of the inmate or the victim's family.
(3) Any individual authorized by the victim or victim's
family to speak on the victim's behalf without regard to any
state license requirement.
(4) Any law enforcement officer.
(5) Any representative of the Office of the Attorney
General or office of a district attorney.
(c) The members of the board may provide the basis of
their decision to award or deny parole only if an oral or
written request is made to the board by an individual
attending the hearing.
(d) The Board of Pardons and Paroles shall adopt rules
to conform to this section.
Section 2. This act shall become effective on October
1, 2025.
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