SB345 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Bobby D. SingletonSenator
Democrat
Co-Sponsor: Del Marsh
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Pilot program, establishes small business development program for prisoners, Sec. 41-29-320 repealed
Summary: SB345 creates the Prison PREP Pilot Program to help ex-offenders start small businesses by providing training, mentoring, and help obtaining financing, and repeals Section 41-29-320.
What This Bill Does
The bill establishes a Prison PREP Pilot Program for Small Business Development by ex-offenders, run by the Board of Pardons and Paroles in collaboration with the Department of Corrections. It provides training on how to start a business and assistance in obtaining funding, with potential coordination with J. F. Ingram State Technical College and other resources. It includes an evaluation process, mentoring for three years after a business plan is implemented, annual reporting to the Legislature, and a defined funding path; the program runs for five years and six months and then ends, with designated funds for the involved agencies and college.

Who It Affects
Ex-offenders who have completed the Prison Entrepreneurship Training Program in the last two years and express an interest or have relevant skills; they would receive training, business planning help, mentoring, and assistance in obtaining financing.
The implementing agencies and partners (Board of Pardons and Paroles, Department of Corrections, and J. F. Ingram State Technical College) responsible for running, funding, and coordinating the program.

Key Provisions
Establishes the Prison PREP Pilot Program for Small Business Development by Ex-Offenders under the Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Department of Corrections.
Requires program implementation by October 1, 2021, subject to available funds, including training on how to establish small businesses and assistance in obtaining funding.
Allows coordination with other entities, including J. F. Ingram State Technical College, to provide resources such as funding, training, and mentoring.
Helps participants obtain financing for their small businesses through the Alabama Small Business Incubator Act or other sources.
Creates an evaluation process to determine if the program helps those who completed Prison Entrepreneurship Training and have the potential to run stable businesses.
Participants receive training and mentoring in business plan development and related topics.
Develops an evaluation and mentorship framework for those who did not receive entrepreneurship training in prison, including a three-year mentor period after implementation.
Requires annual reporting to the Legislature and LSA on the program’s effectiveness.
Effective July 1, 2021; active for five years and six months; automatically repealed December 31, 2026.
Designates funds for the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Department of Corrections, and J. F. Ingram State Technical College.
Repeals Section 41-29-320, Code of Alabama 1975.

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