Senate Bill 240 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 17, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Will BarfootSenator
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Parole, remote inmate participation at parole hearings, authorized, conditions established
Summary: SB240 would allow inmates to attend parole hearings remotely via telephone or video, with rules for observers and participants.
What This Bill Does
It would permit an inmate to participate in a parole hearing from a remote location using a communications system. It requires the board to give victims and their representatives the option to see or hear the inmate's statement and to allow other specified participants to join remotely. It also sets rules about waiving rights, limiting interaction with victims who address the board, handling system failures by suspending the hearing, and preferring video conferencing when available. The act would take effect on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects
Inmates who would be allowed to participate remotely in parole hearings, potentially reducing the need to appear in person.
Victims, victims' families, crime victim advocates, law enforcement officers, and prosecutors who may participate or observe hearings remotely under defined rules.

Key Provisions
Inmates may participate in parole hearings via telephone, video conference, or other similar communications systems that allow interaction with the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
The Board must provide victims and their representatives the option to see or hear the inmate's statements, and allow other designated participants to join remotely.
An inmate may waive rights under this subsection.
If victims or their representatives do not choose to participate remotely, the board shall not require interaction with them.
If the remote system fails or is interrupted, the hearing shall be suspended until communication is reestablished.
The board shall provide access to the hearing to authorized speakers by telephone, video conference, or other approved methods, with video conferencing preferred when available.
Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Criminal Procedure