The bill amends Section 15-22-26 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to update the language regarding parole consideration for inmates. Key changes include replacing the term "prisoner" with "inmate" throughout the section. The bill stipulates that inmates will not be granted parole solely for good conduct but must meet specific criteria established by the Board of Pardons and Paroles to ensure public safety. The guidelines for parole consideration will be structured, actuarially based, and reviewed every three years, incorporating factors such as the inmate's risk to reoffend, compliance with reentry plans, input from victims and law enforcement, participation in risk-reduction programs, institutional behavior, severity of the offense, and newly added considerations for employment and education gained while incarcerated.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Board of Pardons and Paroles must articulate its reasons for granting or denying parole based on the established guidelines and provide this information to the inmate and other interested parties upon request. It clarifies that the use of these guidelines does not create an expectation of parole release for inmates, and the decision remains at the board's discretion. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 15-22-26, 15-22-26
Engrossed: 15-22-26, 15-22-26