In Alabama, a policy framework was presented in March. State officials translated many of those options into legislation (SB67) that passed the legislature, and was signed by the governor in May. The House vote was 100-5, and in the Senate the vote was unanimous. Key elements of the legislation include strengthening community-based supervision and treatment; prioritizing prison space for violent and dangerous offenders; and providing supervision to every person released from prison, as well as improving notification to victims regarding releases from prison. The legislation is expected to decrease prison population growth, reduce recidivism, and avert corrections spending. During the final months of the reporting period, work in Alabama involved assisting the state with transitioning into Phase II intensive technical assistance. Preliminary implementation efforts have already begun and will increase if the legislature appropriates the funds necessary to achieve the goals set by SB67.
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In January, CSG Justice Center staff had three site visits to Alabama to vet the draft policy framework with key stakeholders, meet and present to state legislators, discuss the recommended policy framework with editorial boards, as well as present the justice reinvestment policy framework at the fourth Prison Reform Task Force meeting.
In the beginning of the month, CSG Justice Center staff had roundtable conversations with BPP administration leadership, the parole board members, DOC leadership, county officials, prosecutors, and advocacy groups around the proposed policy framework. CSG Justice Center staff also presented at the annual Alabama Judicial Conference, to House Judiciary leadership, and to the Senate Republican and Democratic Caucuses, to share the findings of the justice reinvestment project.
Leading up to the fourth Prison Reform Task Force meeting, CSG Justice Center staff met with the editorial boards of Montgomery Advertiser and Al.com, resulting in supporting editorials for the policy framework.
Lastly, CSG Justice Center finalized the recommended policy framework and its projected impacts and presented at the fourth Prison Reform Task Force meeting. The policy framework recommended:
1. Strengthening supervision and treatment to reduce recidivism,
2. Prioritizing prison space for violent and dangerous offenders, and
3. Providing supervision to all individual being released from prison
• Alabama Governor, former Texas House Corrections Chairman, and U.S. Attorney will all attend and speak at the fifth and final Prison Reform Task Force Meeting.
• The DOC is currently in a leadership transition. Commissioner Thomas resigned at the end of January.
• (01/06) Call with Chairman (Prison Reform Task Force) and Government Affairs Specialist (Fine Geddie & Associates) to discuss the upcoming meetings and presentations with state legislators.
• (01/08) Call with Member (Prison Reform Task Force) to discuss the possibility of CSG Justice Center presenting to the Alabama Senate Democratic Caucus.
• (01/08) Call with Deputy Director (Alabama Office of Prosecution Services) to discuss areas of concern for the district attorneys leading up to the CSG Justice Center’s recommended policy framework release.
• Site visit (01/13-01/14)
o Meeting with Government Affairs Specialist (Fine Geddie & Associates) to share a draft policy framework document and identify possible pushback from key stakeholder groups.
o Meeting with administrative leadership from the Board of Pardons and Paroles to vet the draft policy framework. Participants included Executive Director (BPP), 2 Assistant Attorney Generals (BPP), Assistant Executive Director (BPP), Director of Board Operations (BPP), and Chief Fiscal Officer (BPP).
o Meeting with the parole board members and Board Chair (BPP) to vet the draft policy framework.
o Meeting with Chairman (Prison Reform Task Force) to discuss the upcoming CSG Justice Center presentation to the Republican Caucus.
o Meeting with Member (Prison Reform Task Force) to discuss the upcoming CSG Justice Center presentation to the Democratic Caucus.
o Presentation to the Democratic Caucus, highlighting the key findings from the CSG Justice Center’s data-driven analysis of the Alabama’s criminal justice system.
o Presentation to the Republican Caucus, highlighting the key findings from the CSG Justice Center’s data-driven analysis of the Alabama’s criminal justice system.
o Meeting with House Judiciary Committee leadership and staff to share with them the key findings from the CSG Justice Center’s data-driven analysis of the Alabama’s criminal justice system. Participants included House Chair of Judiciary (AL State House), members of the House Judiciary and Speaker’s Legal Council (AL House).
o Meeting with Member (Prison Reform Task Force) to vet with her the draft policy framework.
o Meeting with Commissioner (AL Department of Mental Health) and Government Affairs Specialist to discuss ways Alabama can strengthen reentry polices that affect individuals with serious mental disorders.
• (01/14) Call with President (Southern Poverty Law Center) to provide him updates on the JR project.
• (01/16) Call with Chairman (Prison Reform Task Force) and Government Affairs Specialist (Fine Geddie & Associates) to discuss the upcoming vetting of the draft policy framework with key stakeholders, including the district attorneys.
• (01/16) Call with Deputy Commissioner (ADOC) to discuss existing restitution collection within correctional facilities.
• (01/19) Call with Government Affairs Specialist (Fine Geddie & Associates) to continue discussion of the upcoming vetting of the draft policy framework with key stakeholders, including the district attorneys.
• (01/20) Call with Chairman (Prison Reform Task Force) and Government Affairs Specialist (Fine Geddie & Associates) to discuss the upcoming vetting of the draft policy framework with the district attorneys.
• Site visit (01/21-01/23)
o Meeting with Deputy Legal Advisor (Governor’s Office) to vet the draft policy framework.
o Meeting with then Commissioner (ADOC) and Deputy Commissioner (ADOC) to vet the draft policy framework.
o Meeting with President (SPLC) and Managing Attorney (SPLC) to vet the draft policy framework.
o Meeting with Legislative Fiscal Analyst (Legislative Fiscal Office) to discuss the draft policy framework.
o Meeting with ACCA leadership to vet the draft policy framework.
o Meeting with Vice President (Alabama Policy Institute) to vet the draft policy framework.
• (01/23) Call with Chairman (Prison Reform Task Force) and Government Affairs Specialist (Fine Geddie & Associates) to share the feedback from the stakeholder vetting.
• (01/26) Call with Director (EJI) and Attorney (EJI) to discuss the proposed policy framework and to receive feedback.
• (01/26) Call with Executive Director (Alabama Sentencing Commission) to discuss the modeling of the impact estimates.
• (01/26) Call with Government Affairs Specialist (Fine Geddie & Associates) to discuss the upcoming presentation to the Prison Reform Task Force Meeting.
• Onsite visit (01/27-01/28)
o Meeting with the Birmingham News Editorial Board (associated with AL.com) to discuss the proposed policy framework ahead of the fourth Prison Reform Task Force.
o Meeting with the Montgomery Advertiser Editorial Board to discuss the proposed policy framework ahead of the fourth Prison Reform Task Force.
o Meeting with the Yellowhammer News, a conservative blog based in Alabama, to discuss the policy framework ahead of the fourth Prison Reform Task Force.
o Tour of the Alabama Therapeutic Education Facility, a community corrections program in Columbiana, Alabama.
o Fourth presentation to the Prison Reform Task Force meeting. The policy framework presenting recommended strengthening supervision and treatment to reduce recidivism, prioritizing prison space for violent and dangerous offenders, and providing supervision to all individual being released from prison.
Montgomery Advertiser – Alabama prison task force to weigh options 1/4/2015
The Huntsville Times – Now is the time for comprehensive reform of Alabama’s criminal justice system: opinion 1/18/2015
The Gadsden Times – OUR VIEW: Pursuing Prison Reform 1/6/2015
The Marshall Project – Beat the Feds: Alabama Pitches Prison Reform as a States’ Rights Issue 1/12/2015
Montgomery Advertiser – State Must Deal with ‘Hard Stuff’ of Prison Reform 1/14/2015
Montgomery Advertiser – Prison Reform: Cautious Optimism From Lawmakers 1/17/2015
The Huntsville Times – Now is the Time for Comprehensive Reform of Alabama’s Criminal Justice System: Opinion 1/18/2015
The Huntsville Times – Prisons Rightly on the Agenda for New Chair of Alabama House Judiciary Committee 1/19/2015
The Gadsden Times – Prison Reform Group Looks for Solutions 1/29/2015
The Huntsville Times – Alabama Prison Task Force Releases Plan to Cut Inmate Population by 4,500 1/29/2105
Montgomery Advertiser – Prison Reform Report: New Policies Could Help Crowding 1/29/2015
The Huntsville Times – How Should Alabama Justice Work? Keep Most Dangerous Behind Bars, Improve Community Resources, Consultants Say 1/17/2015
CSG Justice Center research staff finalized data analyses for policy recommendations by examining the length of stay for specific sentence lengths for specific offenses and completing the impact estimates, projected savings and suggested reinvestments for the state.
Analysis was conducted included looking at youthful offenders and the life without parole populations in DOC custody. Offense information is lacking for youthful offenders, making it difficult to determine the severity of their crimes. LWOP offenses are sometimes non-violent offenses.
• (01/02) Calculated the length of stay for those exiting ADOC custody and in-house jurisdictions based on their entry type and offense, separating for those who entered on a technical violation or new felony level offense.
• (01/07) Continued data analysis on length of stay for specific offenses.
• (01/18) Completed analyses for policy recommendations, including an examination of LWOP offenses, youthful offenders, and various class C offenses.
• (01/23) Calculated the percentage of theft of property offenders sentenced to prison each year.
• (01/29) Calculated probation sentence length for split sentences.
In February, CSG Justice Center staff had three site visits to Alabama to finalize vetting the draft policy framework with key stakeholders, meet with state legislators, and participate in the fifth and final Prison Reform Task Force Meeting.
In the beginning of the month, CSG Justice Center staff held conference calls and in-person meetings with the Governor’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office, DOC administration leadership, county officials, advocacy groups, victim advocates, and legislative leadership around the proposed policy legislation.
Due to heavy snow and ice, the Prison Reform Task Force meeting originally scheduled for February 26, 2015 was canceled and rescheduled for the first week of March.
CSG Justice Center staff also prepared and shared a memo with Chief Justice Moore regarding his request that the habitual offender enhancements on nonviolent cases be analyzed. CSG Justice Center research revealed that, as was likely intended, habitual offender enhancements are predominately used for violent offenders and repeal of the enhancement provisions for nonviolent offenders would have a negligible impact on Alabama’s prison system.
Finally, leading up to the last Prison Reform Task Force meeting, CSG Justice Center staff helped organize an AL.com op-ed with Chair (Prison Reform Task Force), Chair (House Judiciary) and Vice President (Alabama Policy Institute) endorsing the JR policy framework.
Several stakeholders, including the Governor’s office, task force members expressed an interest in creating a criminal justice division within the Governor’s office.
• (02/02) Call with Legislative Fiscal Analyst (Alabama Legislative Fiscal Office) to discuss the JR bill drafting process.
• (02/06) Call with Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to discuss the upcoming site visit and meetings with state officials to discuss the JR initiative.
• (02/08) Call with Defense Attorney and Executive Director (Alabama Sentencing Commission) to discuss concerns regarding the JR policy framework.
• Onsite (02/09-02/11)
o Meeting with Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to discuss meetings and strategy for the week’s meetings with state officials.
o Meeting with Senate leadership staff to discuss the JR policy framework and Senator Ward’s JR bill.
o Meeting with the Business Council of Alabama’s legislative advocacy team to discuss the JR policy framework and Senate Judiciary Chair’s JR bill.
o Meeting with Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to debrief on the meetings the day before and discuss strategy for the rest of the week’s meetings with state officials.
o Meeting with Director (Governor’s Budget Staff) to discuss the JR policy options that have fiscal notes, including the state investing in information technology to be able to assess, track, and ensure the long-term impact of the strategies outlined in the JR framework.
o Meeting with Legislative Fiscal Analyst (Alabama Legislative Fiscal Office) on the JR bill drafting process.
o Meeting with House leadership staff, including Chair (House Budget Committee) and Chair (House Judiciary) to discuss the JR policy framework and Senate Judiciary’s JR bill.
o Meeting with Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to debrief on the week and discuss next steps for the Prison Reform Task Force and in the legislative process.
• (02/12) Call with private attorney from Opelika, Alabama to discuss restorative justice.
• (02/13) Call with Director (Houston County Community Corrections) to the portions of the JR legislation that concern community corrections programs.
• (02/13) Call with Policy Council (ACLU) and ACLU member to discuss the JR initiative, including the upcoming Prison Reform Task Force meeting and Senate Judiciary Chair’s JR bill.
• (02/16) Call with Deputy Attorney General and Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to discuss and address the concerns the Attorney General has expressed regarding the JR policy framework.
• (02/18) Call with Victims Advocate (VOCAL) to discuss her concerns regarding the JR policy framework and the possibility of her talking in support of the framework at the upcoming Prison Reform Task Force meeting.
• Onsite (02/18-02/19)
o Meeting with interim Commissioner (DOC), Deputy Commissioner (DOC) and Associate Commissioner of Administrative Services (DOC) to discuss their concerns regarding the JR policy framework.
o Meeting with Legislative Fiscal Analyst (Alabama Legislative Fiscal Office) and Executive Director (Alabama Sentencing Commission) to discuss the JR bill drafting process, stakeholders’ concerns and next steps.
o Meeting with House Judiciary Chair to discuss the JR legislation and stakeholders’ concerns.
o Meeting with Member (Prison Reform Task Force) and Attorney (Bradley Arant Boult Commings, LLP) to discuss their concerns on the JR policy framework and likely next steps in the legislative process. Both also expressed interest in extending the Prison Reform Task Force for another year and the possibility of creating a division within the Governor’s office focused on criminal justice.
• (02/24) Call with former Chair of Texas House Corrections Committee member to discuss his appearance at the last Prison Reform Task Force meeting.
• Onsite (02/26)
o Meeting with Representative House Judiciary Chair to continue discussing the JR legislation and stakeholders’ concerns, including the district attorneys.
• (02/26) Call with Chair (Judiciary) and Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to discuss next steps following the rescheduling of the Prison Reform Task Force meeting and the expected introduction of the JR legislation in the Senate Judiciary committee.
The Huntsville Times – Five Things Alabama Can Learn From North Carolina’s Prison Reforms 2/4/2015
WSFA.com – Alabama Prison Reform Task Force Hears Ideas to Reduce Overcrowding 2/13/2015
Decatur Daily.com – Bill Takes Stab at Prison Reform 2/21/2015
The Huntsville Times – Alabama Media Group Guest Opinion: Prison Reform Through the Conservative Lens 2/23/2015
The Huntsville Times – Find Out What the Billionaire Conservative Koch Brothers Are Up to Now, and How It Affects Alabama 2/23/2015
WBHM 90.3 – Alabama’s Prison Reform Task Force Readies Bill For 2015 Legislative Session 2/24/2015
CSG Justice Center research staff assisted with data items needed to complete the JR final report. Data items included research regarding the entire system.
CSG Justice Center staff also completed an additional analysis request from stakeholders to look into the sentence lengths for habitual offenders.
• (02/13) Conference call with Deputy Legal Advisor (Governor Office) on issues related to grants, tracking JR outcomes, and the possibility of creating a criminal justice division within the Governor’s office.
• (02/21) Analyzed sentence length for habitual offenders by offense type.
In March, CSG Justice Center staff had three site visits to Alabama to attend the fifth and final Prison Reform Task Force meeting and meet with key stakeholders and state legislators before Senate Judiciary Committee hearings and the vote on SB 67 (JR legislation).
On March 3rd, the Prison Reform Task Force overwhelmingly approved the CSG JR recommended policy framework and suggested the framework be considered by the state legislature. Former Texas State Representative and House Corrections Committee Chairman Jerry Madden attended the meeting to speak of Texas’ experience with JR and support Alabama in its JR process.
Leading up to the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings, CSG Justice Center staff met with leadership from the District Attorneys Association, Association of County Commissions, and the Board of Pardons and Paroles to discuss the JR policy framework and the concerns of the various parties.
On March 4th the Senate Judiciary committee introduced SB 67. Leading up to the Senate Judiciary Committee vote, CSG Justice Center staff helped organize a Yellowhammer op-ed for Senate Judiciary Chair and the CSG Justice Center released its Alabama final report on the findings and policy framework for the state. On March 17th, SB 67 was passed out of the Senate Judiciary committee unanimously and moved for vote to the Senate floor.
• President of the Alabama Business Council published a positive op-ed in support of the JR legislation.
• For the Task Force vote on the JR policy framework, the representative from VOCAL, along with two of the DAs voted in support of the policy framework. The one no vote was from one of the DA representatives, and the abstentions were from a county commissioner and the Attorney General’s office.
• The Prison Reform Task Force, in a separate vote not related to CSG Justice Center’s JR policy framework, recommended the state add prison capacity.
• Task Force members also voted to extend the Prison Reform Task Force for another year. It is likely Senate Judiciary Chair will introduce a resolution this session to continue the task force.
• (03/02) Call with Executive Director (ACCA) to discuss the JR policy framework.
• Onsite visit (03/02-03/04)
o Meeting with Chair (Senate Judiciary) and Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) regarding the upcoming Task Force meeting and Senate Judiciary committee hearing.
o Meeting with Executive Director (ACCA) to continue discussion on the JR policy framework.
o Meeting with former Chair Texas Prison Reform Committee to check in before the Prison Reform Task Force meeting.
o Final Prison Reform Task Force Meeting where Task Force members voted overwhelmingly for the JR policy framework. Before the meeting, Jerry Madden briefly spoke at the beginning of the task force of his experience in Texas with the JR process and of his support of the JR process in Alabama.
o CSG Justice Center staff attended the Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing and SB 67 was introduced.
• (03/09) Call with Policy Counsel (ACLU) to discuss the JR policy framework and his concerns.
• Onsite (03/10-03/11)
o Meeting with leadership from the Association of County Commissions to discuss the JR policy framework and their concerns.
o Meeting with leadership from the AL District Attorneys Association to discuss the JR policy framework and their concerns.
o Meeting with Legislative Fiscal Analyst (Legislative Fiscal Office) to discuss the JR policy framework.
o Meeting with Chair (Senate Judiciary Committee) to discuss the upcoming Senate Judiciary Committee hearing and likely next steps.
o Meeting with Chair (House Judiciary Committee) to discuss the upcoming Senate Judiciary Committee hearing and likely next steps.
o CSG Justice Center staff testified on SB 67 at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
o Meeting with Assistant Attorney General (BPP) to discuss the JR policy framework and her concerns.
• Onsite visit (03/17-18)
o CSG Justice Center staff attended the Senate Judiciary committee hearing and a SB 67 substitute was passed out of committee.
o Meeting with the minority caucus, advocates and Senate Judiciary Chair to discuss the changes between SB 67 and the SB 67 substitute that was passed out of committee.
o Meeting with Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to discuss the strategy of addressing concerns about the SB 67 substitute that was passed out of committee.
o Meeting with Executive Director (AL Sentencing Commission) discuss possible bill clean up language for the SB 67 substitute.
o Meeting with Representative from Manufacturers Association to assist him in his efforts to write a supportive op-ed for Alabama’s prison reform efforts.
o Meeting with AL Dept. of Mental Health Commissioner to discuss IT investments for the state in relation to the JR policy framework.
o Meeting with Assistant Attorney General (BPP) to discuss the changes in the SB 67 substitute and her concerns.
• (03/20) Call with Executive Director (AL Sentencing Commission) to discuss the JR legislative policy framework and likely next steps.
• Onsite visit (03/31)
o Meeting with Deputy Secretary (Office of the Governor, Office of Information Technology) to discuss the IT gaps and resource needs of Alabama.
o Meeting with Senate Judiciary Chair and Senate Democrats to discuss the JR policy framework and their concerns.
o Meeting with Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to discuss the JR policy framework and likely next legislative steps.
The Huntsville Times – Alabama Prison Reform Task Force Approves Plan to Reduce Crowding; Now It’s Up to the Legislature 3/3/2015
The Huntsville Times - Alabama Senator’s Prison Reform Bill Would Improve Supervision, Add Beds 3/3/2015
The Huntsville Times – Here’s Why Alabama’s Prison Reform Bill Isn’t an “Unfunded Mandate” 3/11/2015
Montgomery Advertiser – Prison Reform Package Headed to Senate Committee Vote 3/13/2015
Yellowhammer – 5 Things You Need to Know About Alabama Prison Reform 3/16/2015
Montgomery Advertiser – Alabama Prison Reform Bill Passes First Vote 3/17/2015
The Huntsville Times – Prison Reform Approved by Alabama Senate Committee 3/17/2015
The Huntsville Times – Alabama Prison Reform Bill Back On Track, Now Make It Law 3/18/2015
48WAFF – Prison Reform Bill ‘Crucial” to Ala. Overcrowding Problem, Says Judge 3/19/2015
WAAY31 – Bill Seeks to Lower Prison Inmate Numbers, But Would Cost Millions 3/21/2015
The Huntsville Times – 5 Ways Proposed Law Would Radically Change Parole in Alabama 3/24/2015
The Huntsville Times – Prison Reform Deserves Attention from State, by William J. Canary 3/25/2015
The Huntsville Times – Alabama Prison Admissions Down 25 Percent in 4 Years. Why That Won’t Solve Overcrowding. 3/30/2015
The Huntsville Times – Alabama Has More People in Prisons Than in College Dorms: Monday Wake Up Call 3/30/2015
CSG Justice Center research staff worked on adjusted projected prison bed outcomes for both SB 67 and various amendments being offered.
In April, CSG Justice Center staff had two site visits to Alabama to meet with key stakeholders and state legislators before the Senate floor vote and the House Judiciary Committee hearing for SB 67 (JR legislation).
Leading up to the Senate floor vote and before the House Judiciary Committee hearing, CSG Justice Center staff met with leadership from the District Attorneys Association, Association of County Commissions, VOCAL, Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Department of Corrections to discuss the concerns of the various parties.
Also, before the Senate floor vote, AL.com published an op-ed coauthored by former Speaker of the House and current Alabama Senate President Din support of SB 67.
On April 2nd, the Alabama State Senate overwhelmingly passed SB 67. The vote was 31-2. There were sixteen floor amendments added to the bill, including provisions expanding efforts to improve reentry opportunities by granting individuals drivers licenses and allowing them to access federal benefits like food stamps. In the Alabama State House of Representatives, the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee sponsored the JR legislation, and it was passed out of committee unanimously on April 30th.
Alabama is facing a serious budget crisis. In a general fund budget of around $2 billion, there is an expected $500 million shortfall. Various solutions are being discussed, including legislation that would legalize gambling. State agencies have been preparing for significant cuts. The recommended upfront investment for SB 67 is $26 million.
• Site visit (04/01-04/02)
o Meeting with District 14 Senator and Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to discuss the amendments for SB 67 before the Senate floor vote.
o Meeting with Legislative Fiscal Analyst to discuss amendments for SB 67 before the Senate floor vote.
o Meeting with District 14 Senator and other Senate Republicans to discuss SB 67.
o CSG Justice Center staff observed the Senate floor debate and vote on SB 67. The bill passed 31-2 and will now be considered in the House.
• (04/03) Call with Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to debrief on the week’s meetings and discuss likely next steps for the JR prison reform bill in the House.
• (04/06) Call with Chair (House Judiciary) and Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to discuss SB 67, various stakeholder concerns, and likely next steps.
• (04/07) Call with Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to discuss a media inquiry on SB 67.
• (04/09) Call with Chair (House Judiciary) and Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to discuss SB 67 and likely next steps.
• (04/13) Call with Executive Director (Sentencing Commission) to discuss stakeholder concerns on SB 67 and likely next steps.
• (04/15) ) Call with Chair (House Judiciary) to discuss stakeholder concerns and possible amendments to SB 67.
• (04/22) Call with Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to discuss stakeholder concerns and possible amendments to SB 67.
• Onsite visit (04/28-04/30) – The likely Phase II staff who would be assigned to Alabama, pending the passage of SB 67, attended this visit to meet key stakeholders.
o Meeting with House Democratic Caucus to discuss SB 67.
o Meeting with Deputy Legal Advisor (Governor’s office) to discuss SB 67 and relevant concerns, including the budget crisis. Also discussed potential implementation strategy going forward.
o Meeting with Deputy Commissioner (ADOC), Associate Commissioner (ADOC) and Director of Information Systems (ADOC) to discuss SB 67 and ADOC concerns.
o Meeting with Chair (Senate Judiciary) to discuss SB 67 and likely next steps.
o Meeting with Executive Director (Sentencing Commission) and Research Manager (Sentencing Commission) to discuss SB 67 and likely next steps.
o CSG Justice Center staff observed the debate and vote on SB 67 in the House Judiciary Committee. Members voted unanimously to move the bill to the House floor.
o Meeting with Executive Director (BPP), Chief Legal Counsel (BPP) and Accounting Director/Grants Manager (BPP) to discuss SB 67 and likely next steps.
The Huntsville Times - Newt Gingrich: Passing Alabama Prison Reform Bill the ‘Right’ Thing To Do 4/1/2015
The Huntsville Times – Alabama Senate Approves Plan to Slow Flow of Inmates to State Prisons 4/2/2015
WSFA 12 – Editorial: Prison Reform 4/9/2015
Anniston Star – Alabama Often Denies Prisoners Parole, But Doesn’t Tell Them Why 4/11/2015
The Huntsville Times – How Can Each Alabama Parole Officer Keep Tabs on Almost 200 Ex-cons? 4/14/2015
Montgomery Advertiser – Prison reform bill moves closer to passage
The Huntsville Times – Alabama prison reform plan faces key step today 4/30/2015
Montgomery Advertiser - Legislators in House optimistic about prison reform bill 4/25/2015
CSG Justice Center research staff continued to work on adjusted projected prison bed outcomes for both SB 67 and various amendments being offered.
In early May, the Alabama State Legislature passed SB 67 with strong bipartisan support. The House vote was 100-5, and in the Senate the vote was unanimous. The bill included friendly amendments that were added during the House floor vote.
CSG Justice Center staff worked to complete a four-page legislative summary of the legislation in preparation for the bill signing ceremony held later in the month.
CSG Justice Center staff made two site visits to Alabama. CSG Justice Center Phase II staff made a site visit to meet key stakeholders who will be implementing the legislation to discuss planning and likely next steps. On May 21st, CSG Justice Center Phase I staff traveled to Montgomery to attend the bill signing in the Alabama State Capitol.
The reinvestment recommended by the Prison Reform Task Force to accompany the policy package is being considered as part of the state's ongoing budget negotiations.
After the State Legislature passed SB 67, both the New York Times and the Washington Post, along with Alabama news outlets, released articles on the criminal justice policy package.
• As mentioned in previous reports, Alabama is facing a serious budget crisis. The state legislature is expected to submit a budget to the governor, and for budget negotiations to continue this summer in special session. The recommended FY2015 upfront investment for SB 67 is $26 million.
• One of the friendly amendments for SB 67 expanded the cap on length of prison sanctions for technical violations to be applicable for individuals on supervision serving a sentence for both nonviolent and violent offenses. Previously in the bill, only individuals serving time for nonviolent offenses would have had their prison sanctions capped at 45 days.
• (05/19) Call with Government Affairs Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to discuss the upcoming bill signing ceremony for SB 67, as well as the release of CSG's four-page legislative summary document.
• Onsite visit (05/19-05/21)
o Meeting with Deputy Legal Advisory (Governor's Office) to discuss Alabama's implementation oversight structure, assess the need for a JRI Coordinator, and discuss implementation planning.
o Meeting with Commissioner (Department of Mental Health) and Associate Commissioner of the Division of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Services (Department of Mental Health) to discuss the Phase II technical assistance process and initial thoughts on implementation challenges related to behavioral health.
o Meeting with District 92 Representative to discuss next steps for implementation planning.
o Phase II Strategy Session to discuss next steps for implementation planning and technical assistance, including the implementation oversight structure and letter of interest to submit to BJA. Attendees included: Deputy Legal Advisory (Governor's Office), Executive Director (Sentencing Commission), Executive Director (BPP), Chief Legal Counsel (BPP), Assistant Executive Director (BPP), Assistant Executive Director (BPP), Chief of Staff (DOC), Associate Commissioner of the Division of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Services, Department of Mental Health, and ALEA Representatives.
o Attended the bill signing of SB 67 at the Alabama State Capitol. The Governor, Senate Judiciary Chair, House Judiciary Chair, Commissioner (DOC) and Deputy Director (CSG Justice Center) briefly spoke before the signing of the bill. The event was attended by various media outlets, as well as Prison Reform Task Force members and other criminal justice stakeholders.
• (05/28) Call with Executive Director (Sentencing Commission) and Senior Research Analyst (Sentencing Commission) to introduce Research (CSG Justice Center) and discuss initial steps for data monitoring.
• (05/29) Call with Commissioner (Department of Mental Health), Associate Commissioner of the Division of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Services (Department of Mental Health), Director of the Office of Substance Abuse Treatment and Development (Department of Mental Health) and Director of MI Community Programs (Department of Mental Health) to introduce Senior Policy Advisor (CSG Justice Center) and to discuss technical assistance related to behavioral health, and plan for initial assessment calls and site visit.
The Huntsville Times - Prison Should be a last resort...and I am a Republican. 5/3/2015
Montgomery Advertiser - Prison Reform Bill Set for Alabama House Vote 5/6/2015
12WSFA - Prison Reform Bill on the way to Governor's Desk 5/7/2015
WIAT News 42 - Alabama Prison Overhaul Wins Final Passage 5/7/2015
WSFA 12 - Department of Corrections Leader Responds to Prison Reform 5/15/2015
New York Times - Justice Reform in the Deep South 5/18/2015
Washington Post - Skyrocketing Prison Costs Have States Targeting Recidivism, Sentencing Practices 5/19/2015
ABC 33/40 News - Governor Bentley to Sign Historic Criminal Justice Reform Legislation into Law 5/20/2015
Birmingham News - Bentley Signs Prison Reform Bill; Ward Says It Will Be Funded 5/21/2015
Montgomery Advertiser - Governor Robert Bentley Signs Sweeping Prison Reform Bill 5/21/2015
Montgomery Advertiser - Bentley Signs Legislation Meant to Reduce Alabama Prison Overcrowding 5/21/2015
State of Alabama Office of the Governor - Prison Reform Legislation Bill Signing 5/21/2015
The Huntsville Times - Sen. Arthur Orr says grim Alabama budget outlook could improve 5/27/2015
This month, CSG Justice Center research staff assisted in updating the projections for the bill signing ceremony by more closely examining the offense levels of individuals entering ADOC custody. CSG Justice Center research staff also participated in a few phone calls regarding the transition from Phase I to Phase II and will explore ways to assist Phase II CSG Justice Center research staff as the Phase II process is fully established.
(05/18) Assisted in updating the projections for the bill signing ceremony. Reviewed the number of probation revocation cases entering prison for specific offenses and the level of offense.
In June, Alabama state leaders took important steps to ensure that inter-branch, inter-agency collaboration continues through JR implementation. Alabama Governor signed an Executive Order establishing a three-branch implementation Oversight Council, which is scheduled to hold its first in-person meeting in July. The CSG Justice Center Phase I and Phase II teams provided guidance regarding opportunities for the state to establish formal implementation oversight structures, and assisted with the facilitation of the initial convening this month.
In addition, the Oversight Council, along with executives from all three branches of government, reviewed a letter formally requesting JR Phase II technical assistance. State leaders expect that a formal request for Phase II technical assistance will be submitted in July. Members of the Oversight Council also identified capacity building needs for a JRI Coordinator and began to prepare an initial submission for subaward funds.
The Phase I team worked with a contracted government-relations specialist to monitor the continued state budget negotiations and inclusion in the budget of reinvestments to implement Senate Bill (SB) 67. Alabama’s legislative session ended on June 4 with no resolution between the legislative and executive branches on the state budget. As a result, appropriations for reinvestment to implement SB 67 have not yet been determined. SB 67 includes statutory language requiring the Alabama Director of Finance to certify that “specific” appropriations to implement the legislation have been made in order for the legislation to be effective.
The Phase II team continued engagement of executive- and county-level stakeholders, legislative champions, and agency leadership by meeting with representatives from all three branches of government and staff from the Association of County Commissions of Alabama. This ongoing outreach was aimed at maintaining the strong inter-branch, inter-agency, and stakeholder collaboration established in Phase I through implementation, and identifying ways to engage local stakeholders during Phase II.
The Phase II team also continued discussions with key agencies to identify challenges to SB 67’s implementation, in order to inform technical assistance, particularly in areas of implementation where the state could see positive system impacts through development of administrative policy. June meetings with agency leaders and staff focused on the development of data monitoring plans and related technical assistance priorities. CSG Justice Center staff also met with several key agency representatives that will be involved in implementation of SB 67 provisions to expand treatment for offenders. In addition, CSG Justice Center staff conducted site visits with community behavioral health providers and community corrections programs to assess their operations and challenges to SB 67 implementation.
• On-site assessments of local behavioral health providers and community corrections programs (CCPs) revealed several challenges to expanding capacity among behavioral health providers, including limited resources to serve current clients, a provider workforce shortage, and sometimes weak relationships between CCPs and providers across the state. While some local CCPs conduct risk assessments and use behavioral health screening processes to prioritize resources for higher risk and need individuals, other programs do not appear to be using assessment to differentiate supervision levels. CCP directors reported a general desire to receive further guidance from DOC, which in part funds CCPs, regarding the use of risk assessment and other evidence-based practices required by SB 67. As sentencing changes under SB 67 divert additional individuals to CCPs for supervision, rather than prison, it will be increasingly important for DOC to work collaboratively with both local stakeholders and the DMH to build CCP and provider capacity to prioritize limited resources for those most likely to reoffend. The Phase II team is currently exploring opportunities to encourage collaboration through the Phase II implementation Oversight Structure.
• CSG Justice Center staff identified opportunities to collect additional data from CCPs through changes in administrative policy, which will help stakeholders better assess CCP operations. CCPs currently send quarterly evaluation forms to the DOC that provide limited information on the individuals they served during the quarter. Many of the questions do not provide a sufficient level of detail to permit DOC to comprehensively assess CCP operations or evaluate their adoption of evidence-based practices. This evaluation form could be modified to give the DOC a better assessment of the individuals CCPs serve and how they operate, and data from these reports could be used to inform improved administrative policy. Revisions to any reporting will need to be balanced with limited capacity within CCPs to collect client data, especially electronically.
• CSG Justice Center staff learned that the current Parole Board chair will remain in his position for at least the next several months. Previously, ABPP staff had suggested that a new Board Chair may have been named in July. This may present challenges to observing change in Parole Board operations, as the current Board chair has been resistant to JR efforts. The DMH also experienced executive turnover this month, with DMH Commissioner announcing in mid-June his plan to retire from public service on July 1. The incoming DMH Commissioner is currently serving as a probate judge. As leadership at DMH changes and the Parole Board’s composition remains the same, it will be important for CSG Justice Center staff continue to engage leadership and encourage inter-agency communication and collaboration. The JR Coordinator will be a critical part of ensuring JR efforts remain coordinated across agencies and branches of government.
• CSG Justice Center staff learned that working with the legislature and executive branch to identify opportunities to appropriate funding in order to implement SB 67 will be challenging in the current fiscal and political climate. Alabama is facing the prospect of significant budget cuts and lawmakers are focused on finding ways to resolve these issues while simultaneously discussing the funding for their prison reform effort. The Phase I team’s close coordination with the government relations specialist will be important to help determine the best approach to help the state during this process.
• (06/03) Call with Deputy Legal Advisor (Office of the Governor) to discuss Alabama's implementation oversight structure, letter of interest to BJA, JRI Coordinator position, and plans for our next site visit.
• (06/04) Call with Government Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to discuss the legislative budget negotiations in relation to the justice reinvestment allocation for SB 67.
• (06/05) Call with Government Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to continue discussion on the legislative budget negotiations in relation to the justice reinvestment allocation for SB 67.
• (06/08) Call with Director (Montgomery County Community Corrections) to discuss goals and priorities for on site assessments.
• (06/09) Call with Director (Houston County Community Corrections Program) to discuss goals and priorities for on site assessments.
• (06/15) Call with Government Consultant (Fine Geddie and Associates) to discuss what to expect during special session and recent media concerns.
• (06/17) Call with members of the implementation Oversight Council and delegates to receive feedback on the scope of the JRI Coordinator and discuss possible candidates. Participants included Oversight Council chair, Deputy Legal Advisor (Office of the Governor), Commissioner (DOC), Chief Legal Counsel (ABPP), Executive Director (Sentencing Commission), Associate Commissioner (DMH), and General Counsel (ALEA).
• Onsite visit (06/22 – 06/25)
o Observed meeting of roughly 50 statewide CCP directors, and provided brief introduction of Phase II team and JR implementation status.
o Meeting with group of CCP directors, including Executive Director (Birmingham TASC), Executive Director (Houston County CCP), Executive Director (Mobile CCP), Executive Director (Montgomery CCP), and Executive Director (Shelby County CCP) to discuss CCPs and challenges to increasing capacity.
o Meeting with Executive Director (Montgomery Area Mental Health Authority) to discuss the program's capacity and operations.
o Meeting with IT Systems Specialist (DOC) and Director of Information Systems (DOC) to discuss DOC data capabilities.
o Meeting with DOC Associate Commissioner and Interim Assistant Director (Community Corrections Division) to discuss CCP data and data collection capabilities.
o Meeting with ABPP, including Chief Legal Counsel, Assistant Executive Director, Chief Fiscal Officer, IT Director), and IT staff to discuss and demo ABPP's data systems and capabilities.
o Meeting with CIO (DMH) to discuss DMH's data systems' tracking and capabilities.
o Discussion with Executive Director (Sentencing Commission) and Senior Research Analyst (Sentencing Commission) about Sentencing Commission data, to inform the development of a data-monitoring plan.
o Meeting with IT (ADOC), Executive Director (Sentencing Commission), Senior Research Analyst (Sentencing Commission), IT Director (ADOC), 3 IT Staff (ADOC), Interim Assistant Director (ADOC), Chief Fiscal Officer (ABPP), Assistant Director (ABPP), Chief Legal Counsel (ABPP), IT Staff (DMH), ASSURE Project (DMH), and Assistant Executive Director (ABPP) to discuss ideas and plans for data monitoring, capacity for collecting data, and ideas for building capacity to collect data.
o Meeting with Chief Fiscal Officer (ABPP), Assistant Director (ABPP), Chief Legal Counsel (ABPP), and Assistant Executive Director (ABPP) to discuss interfacing with treatment providers and CCPs and training provided to probation and parole officers regarding behavioral health.
o Meeting with Deputy Legal Advisor (Office of the Governor) to discuss Alabama's next steps for JR implementation, including submitting the letter of interest to BJA and establishing and convening their implementation oversight structure.
o Meeting with Executive Director (ACCA) to discuss county stakeholder engagement in JR implementation.
o Meeting with Chair (Judiciary Committee) to discuss next steps for Alabama's JR implementation.
o Meeting with Executive Director (Montgomery CCP) to learn about their operations and relationships with local behavioral health providers.
o Meeting with Executive Director (TASC) and Program Manager (TASC) to discuss TASC's operation and relationship with behavioral health providers.
o Meeting with Associate Commissioner of Health Services (DOC) as part of gathering information to guide Phase II JRI preliminary implementation planning, especially around challenges and opportunities related to offender transitions from prison to the community.
o Meeting with Executive Director (Lighthouse Counseling Center), Clinical Director (Lighthouse Counseling Center), and Representative from Montgomery County Community Corrections to private community-based substance use disorder treatment provider, as part of gathering information to guide Phase II JRI preliminary implementation planning.
o Meeting with Deputy Commissioner (DOC) to discuss DOC's current auditing practices and oversight of CCPs, and opportunities to strengthen the use of evidence-based practices within community corrections.
o Meeting with leadership from DMH to discuss opportunities to engage as part of JR implementation in Alabama. Participants included Director (MI Community Programs, DMH), Director (Office of Substance Abuse Treatment and Development, DMH), and Assoc. Commissioner of the Division of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Services (DMH).
o Meeting with Commissioner (DMH), who will be retiring and leaving his position in July 2015, as well as Assoc. Commissioner (DMH) to discuss opportunities to continue JR advancement under new agency leadership.
o Meeting with Director (Houston County CCP) at Houston County, CCP in order to observe corrections activities and tour facility. Included discussion of CCP operations, supervision, programming, budgeting, and JR implementation.
• (6/29) Call with Senior Project Director (Pepperdine University) to discuss Pepperdine’s work on the HOPE pilot in Alabama, share information about CSG’s work on Justice Reinvestment, and discuss areas for coordination.
Birmingham News – Gov. Robert Bentley Names New Criminal Justice Council 6/30/2015
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