Legislature House Judiciary Committee passes bill to criminalize theft of employee retirement benefits Aggravated theft of employee retirement benefits would constitute a Class C felony, carrying a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Alex JobinApril 24, 2025
Legislature Senate Judiciary Committee passes bill to restructure Board of Pardons and Paroles The Judiciary Committee passed the bill with bipartisan support, with eight members voting in favor and three against. Alex JobinApril 17, 2025
Prisons Alabama Senate bill would restructure controversial Pardons and Paroles Board Although parole approval rates began increase slightly in 2024, incarcerated people who appear to be prime candidates continue to be denied. Alex JobinApril 16, 2025
News Advocates, violent crime victims spread awareness for victim compensation According to a national survey, 96 percent of violent crime victims failed to receive victim compensation in 2022. Alex JobinApril 14, 2025
Legislature Rep. Jim Hill introduces Speedy Trial Act in attempt to fix court backlogs Hill says Alabama needs visiting judges to address court backlogs and protect Alabamians’ constitutional right to a speedy trial. Chance PhillipsFebruary 21, 2025
Prisons Family members of woman found dead in Alabama jail speak out Leanna Washington, 36, of LaGrange, Georgia, was found dead in the James Morgan County Detention Facility in LaFayette. Alex JobinJanuary 20, 2025
Prisons Woman found dead in Alabama jail just days after being detained The nature of Washington's death has not yet been made public. Alex JobinJanuary 7, 2025
Prisons Justice In Focus panel takes a closer look at Alabama’s parole system Some of the state’s leading legal and policy experts will gather to discuss the parole system's shortcomings and explore potential reforms. StaffOctober 9, 2024
Prisons Families call prisons “drug-infested slums” in annual public hearing, demand reform Sen. Vivian Figures said state legislators “need to spend some time in these prisons ... without any protection.” Chance PhillipsJuly 25, 2024
Legislature Advocates gather to lobby for parole oversight bill Advocates say the board is in clear need of oversight considering the precipitous drop in parole approval rates. Jacob HolmesApril 5, 2023