SB288 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Corrections Dept., require the dept. to make quarterly reports to the Joint Legislative Prison Oversight Committee and to provide for the reporting requirements, revise the correctional officers oath of office, Sec. 14-1-21 added; Sec. 14-3-13 am'd.

Summary

SB288 would require the Alabama Department of Corrections to provide quarterly, detailed reports to the Joint Legislative Prison Oversight Committee and revise the correctional officer oath.

What This Bill Does

It adds a new section requiring quarterly reports with data on inmate population, staffing levels, program participation by sex, and lists of litigation involving the department or staff. It includes statistics on sexual abuse/victimization, inmate deaths and related investigations, and items recovered like cell phones, weapons, and controlled substances, with investigation statuses and outcomes where applicable. It also amends the officer oath so all correctional officers must take the oath before serving, affirming duties and adherence to rules, and promising not to mistreat inmates.

Who It Affects

• Correctional officers: must take the new oath before performing duties and will operate under broader reporting and oversight expectations.
• Alabama Department of Corrections and the Joint Legislative Prison Oversight Committee: must implement quarterly reporting requirements and receive expanded data for oversight purposes.

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 14-1-21 requiring the Department of Corrections to file quarterly reports with the Joint Legislative Prison Oversight Committee, including data on inmate population, staffing, program participation by sex, litigation involving the department or staff, sexual abuse/victimization data and investigation status, inmate deaths and autopsy results, and recovered contraband.
• Amends Section 14-3-13 to revise the correctional officer oath, requiring officers to swear to support the U.S. and Alabama constitutions, faithfully discharge duties, follow department rules, and refrain from mistreating inmates.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Corrections Department