SB221 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Corrections Dept., to create Deputy Commissioner of Prison Rehabilitation within Dept. of Corrections, to create Deputy Director for Parolee Rehabilitation within Board of Pardons and Paroles, to create the Study Commission on Interagency Cooperation and Collaboration on the Rahabilitation and Reintegration of Formerly Incarcerated Individuals and to provide for its duties, to provide for membership, Sec. 14-1-1.5 am'd.

Summary

SB221 creates two executive-level rehab-focused deputy roles and a Study Commission to coordinate interagency efforts for rehabilitating and reintegrating formerly incarcerated people.

What This Bill Does

It designates a Deputy Commissioner for Prisoner Rehabilitation in the Department of Corrections to lead programs that reduce recidivism. It designates a Deputy Director for Parolee Rehabilitation in the Pardons and Paroles agency to lead similar rehab efforts. It creates a Study Commission on Interagency Cooperation and Collaboration on the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Formerly Incarcerated Individuals, with members from multiple state agencies and offices, and it charges the commission with developing a strategic plan, promoting evidence-based policies, coordinating services, expanding access to education and health care, and addressing barriers to reentry. The commission must meet monthly, report its findings to the Legislature by early 2022, and then be dissolved, with staff support and expense rules for members included.

Who It Affects

• Department of Corrections leadership and staff, who would have a Deputy Commissioner for Prisoner Rehabilitation to oversee rehab programs
• Department of Pardons and Paroles (or successor), which would add a Deputy Director for Parolee Rehabilitation to oversee parolee rehab programs
• Formerly incarcerated individuals, who could benefit from expanded reentry programs, education access, mental health and health care services
• State agencies and local partners involved in corrections, health, housing, education, labor, veterans services, and prosecution, who participate in the Study Commission and related coordination
• Legislature and staff, who would receive a report and receive ongoing staff support for the commission

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 14-1-1.5 to require appointment of a Deputy Commissioner for Prisoner Rehabilitation in the Department of Corrections to develop and oversee programs reducing recidivism
• Amends Section 14-1-1.5 to require appointment of a Deputy Director for Parolee Rehabilitation in the Pardons and Paroles agency to develop and oversee programs reducing recidivism
• Creates the Study Commission on Interagency Cooperation and Collaboration on the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Formerly Incarcerated Individuals, with a specified roster of members from multiple agencies and offices
• Charges the commission with creating a strategic plan, promoting evidence-based policies, fostering interagency partnerships, expanding access to education and health care for reentry, and removing barriers to successful reintegration
• Requires the commission to hold its first meeting by June 1, 2021, meet monthly, and report its findings to the Legislature by the fifth legislative day of the 2022 Regular Session, at which point the commission is dissolved
• Provides that House and Senate staff support, and sets compensation and expense provisions for members

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