SB312 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Will BarfootSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Pardons and Paroles Board; allow inmates to participate in parole hearing virtually
Summary: SB312 allows inmates to participate in parole hearings virtually, starting October 1, 2024.
What This Bill Does
Under current law, inmates cannot attend parole hearings. If enacted, inmates would be able to participate in their parole hearings remotely via video conference or similar technology so they can see and hear the Parole Board. Inmates would not be allowed to see, hear, or interact with victims, victims' families, or crime victim advocates who address the board or attend the hearing. If the electronic connection fails or is interrupted, the hearing would be suspended until the connection is restored. An inmate may waive this virtual attendance right.

Who It Affects
Inmates awaiting parole: would be able to participate in parole hearings remotely via video or similar technology, with the option to waive this right.
Victims, victims’ families, and crime victim advocates: would not be able to see, hear, or interact with the inmate during the hearing, even as they address the board.

Key Provisions
Inmate participation in parole hearings virtually by video conference or similar equipment that allows them to see and hear the Parole Board.
Inmate shall not be allowed to see, hear, or interact with victims, victims' families, or crime victim advocates who address the board or attend the hearing.
If electronic communications fail or are interrupted during a hearing, the hearing shall be suspended until the electronic communication is reestablished.
An inmate may waive the right provided in subsection (a).
Effective date: October 1, 2024.

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