Progress on Sentencing Reform for Alabama

Thursday, March 3, 2005

There are two bills moving through the Alabama legislature right now that would enact substantial sentencing reforms. Senate Bill 258, which changes the drug sentencing guideline provisions and reduces the sentences for certain drug offenses - particularly for marijuana - passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 1. Its next stop will be the Senate floor.

The Alliance is providing strong support for this bill through policy maker education, media advocacy, and development of a strong grassroots base. And we are not alone in this effort: The Alliance is a leading member of the Alabama New Bottom Line Campaign, which includes The Ordinary People Society and works closely with the Alabama Sentencing Commission, the Alabama Leadership Council and others.

Senate Bill 365, a bill which dramatically reduces parole and probation periods, was also introduced this week. This bill represents major reform: Alabama is a state where currently thousands of people are locked up for years on nonviolent drug offenses, and will eventually be released on parole periods that are often 10 – 15 years long. During that period, if a person violates his or her parole (which is pretty easy to do), they end up back in prison. SB 365 turns state parole/probation practices on their head by forcing the state to show cause as to why anyone should remain on parole or probation beyond a prescribed two year limit. If the state cannot show cause, the person is released off probation or parole.

With the combination of a strong grassroots push and support from the chair of the Judiciary Committee (who in fact introduced the bill), the prospects look good for getting this bill through the legislature and to the Governor's desk!

Link to article: http://www.drugpolicy.org/news/030305alabama.cfm