HB86 – Revised Parole Considerations

Background: HB86 revises parole consideration requirements for the Board of Pardons and Paroles by requiring the Board to give positive consideration to certain factors such as an individual’s low risk to reoffend, work history while incarcerated, and education completed during incarceration. The bill directs the Board to use structured guidelines that are regularly reviewed. HB86 also requires the Board to clearly articulate its reasons for granting or denying parole and provide that information to the incarcerated person and others upon request.

Position: We support HB86. Alabama’s parole system should be fair, transparent, and grounded in consistent standards rather than secrecy or arbitrary decision-making. Requiring clear guidelines and written explanations strengthens due process values, improves public trust, and helps ensure equity in the pardon and paroles process. This bill also incentivizes rehabilitation by recognizing education and work during incarceration as factors supporting reentry. In a state facing an ongoing prison crisis, reforms that support safe, accountable release decisions are both humane and practical.