SB1 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

April WeaverSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to correctional incentive time; to amend Section 14-9-41, as last amended by Act 2022-322, 2022 Regular Session, Code of Alabama 1975, to reduce the amount of correctional incentive time a prisoner receives; to require a prisoner to remain in a certain classification for a longer period of time before moving up to a higher classification; to provide for additional circumstances in which a prisoner may be required to forfeit his or her correctional incentive time; and to require the Department of Corrections to provide annual reports to the Legislature, the Governor, and the Attorney General regarding correctional incentive time.

Summary

SB1 tightens correctional incentive rules by reducing credits, extending time in classifications before promotion, broadening forfeit triggers, and requiring annual reporting.

What This Bill Does

The bill lowers how much correctional incentive time prisoners can earn and lengthens the time inmates must stay in each classification before moving up. It adds more circumstances under which incentive time can be forfeited, including certain high‑level violations. It also requires the Department of Corrections to publish annual reports to the Legislature, Governor, and Attorney General detailing classifications, changes, and forfeitures.

Who It Affects

• Incarcerated individuals in Alabama prisons, especially prisoners in Class I–III, who would earn less correctional incentive time and face slower advancement through classifications; individuals with disqualifying offenses (e.g., Class A felonies, certain violent or sex offenses involving a child) may be barred from earning incentive time.
• Department of Corrections and local jail/municipal police would administer the new rules, monitor classifications and forfeitures, and prepare the required annual reports.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 14-9-41 to reduce correctional incentive time earned by prisoners in Class I–III and to provide no credit for Class IV.
• Increases minimum time in each classification before advancing: Class II must remain for a longer period before eligible for Class I; Class III must remain longer before eligible for Class II; and Class IV must meet a longer minimum period before advancing to Class III (specific ranges referenced as six to twelve months for II, three to six months for III, and 30 days to three months for IV).
• Adds additional circumstances for which correctional incentive time may be forfeited, including high‑level violations listed in the bill (e.g., homicide, escape, serious assault, hostage situations, sexual offenses, inciting a riot, rioting, and weapon‑related fighting).
• The Commissioner of Corrections may restore forfeited incentive time under certain conditions upon warden recommendations and evidence.
• Requires annual reporting by February 15 each year detailing classification counts, changes, and forfeitures (including high‑level violations).
• Provisions apply prospectively; adjustments apply only to violations after the act’s effective date; the act supersedes conflicting policies or rules except for Administrative Regulation 403.
• Effective date is immediate upon passage and approval by the Governor.

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