House Bill 282 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim HillRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Board of Pardons and Paroles; commencement date changed to March 1

Summary

The bill changes when Board of Pardons and Paroles members begin serving (March 1 instead of July 1) and updates how the board is chosen and run, with new terms starting in 2026.

What This Bill Does

It moves the appointment start date to March 1. The board remains three members with diversity requirements, including at least one current or former law enforcement officer with 10 years of relevant experience. When a vacancy occurs, a nominating committee submits five candidates; the Governor appoints from that list with Senate confirmation, and interim appointments are allowed; if the Senate does not vote before sine die, the appointment is deemed confirmed. Beginning October 1, 2026, new members will have six-year terms starting March 1, and the act outlines chair designation, oaths, impeachment and incapacity procedures, quorum rules, and compensation.

Who It Affects

• Board of Pardons and Paroles members and applicants — terms are redesigned to six-year terms starting March 1 (with applicable vacancy and succession rules) and eligibility criteria for membership (including diversity requirements and a law enforcement experience requirement).
• State government officials involved in appointments (Governor, Senate, nominating committee, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore) — the process, timelines, and confirmation rules for filling vacancies are changed to a five-nominee list and a defined approval path.

Key Provisions

• Change the appointment commencement date for Board of Pardons and Paroles members from July 1 to March 1.
• Maintain a three-member board with diversity requirements and at least one member who is or has been a law enforcement officer with 10 years' experience in violent crime investigation or related duties.
• Establish a nominating committee that nominates five candidates for any vacancy; the Governor appoints from that list with Senate confirmation, with interim appointments allowed if the Senate is not in session and deemed-confirmed if the Senate fails to vote by sine die.
• Beginning October 1, 2026, new members are appointed for six-year terms commencing March 1, and members serve until their successors are appointed and qualified; vacancies fill unexpired terms.
• The Governor designates the chair; members take the constitutional oath; impeachment and incapacity procedures are defined; quorum requires two members; salaries are set by law and paid from the State Treasury.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 18, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Authorities, Boards, & Commissions