HB579 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Parole, to revise the criteria for parole consideration, Secs. 15-22-24, 15-22-26, 15-22-37 am'd.

Summary

HB579 updates Alabama's parole criteria and related practices, using validated risk-and-needs assessments and updating the statute language.

What This Bill Does

The bill requires the Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine parole eligibility and conditions using a validated risk and needs assessment, and to supervise parolees accordingly. It strengthens supervision by prioritizing high-risk cases and tying decisions to evidence-based treatment and reintegration efforts, while allowing input from victims and other stakeholders. It expands rules on training for officers, annual reporting, and coordination with veterans' services, and it sets rules for transfers to other jurisdictions and for discharging parolees before the maximum term. It also preserves the board's discretion and updates language to reflect current style, while not giving the board authority over local confinement facilities.

Who It Affects

• Prisoners eligible for parole and prisoners under consideration for release would be evaluated by risk-and-need assessments to determine release and supervision conditions.
• Parole officers and the Board of Pardons and Paroles, who would implement risk-based supervision, training, caseload limits, and new policies for rewards, sanctions, and discharge.

Key Provisions

• Uses a validated risk and needs assessment to determine which prisoners may be released on parole and under what conditions.
• Requires parole supervision to be risk-based, prioritize high-risk offenders, include case planning, unscheduled contacts, and coordination with treatment services; coordinates with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Establishes guidelines and input processes for parole decisions, including victim input, institutional progress, release plans, and participation in risk-reduction programs; requires explicit written reasons for parole decisions.
• Sets training requirements for parole and probation officers, including assessment techniques, case planning, risk reduction, mental health training, and other evidenced-based topics.
• Allows the board to accept grants and to enter contracts; to develop programs for limited supervision, transfer among levels of supervision, and connections to recidivism-reduction services.
• Imposes a maximum caseload of 20 high-risk cases per officer; requires a matrix of rewards and sanctions for parole violations; and provides standards for parole discharge before the end of the sentence.
• Allows conditional transfers to federal or other jurisdictions; prisoners remain in custody until detainers are resolved; and clarifies rulemaking processes with some administrative-law protections.
• Nonsubstantive, technical updates to modernize the code language and ensure the rules reflect current style.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Pardons and Paroles Board