MONTGOMERY, Ala. — On Wednesday, Alabama legislators took a significant step forward with a proposal aimed at enhancing oversight of the state’s parole board, which has recently drawn scrutiny due to its historically low parole rates.

The House Judiciary Committee endorsed the measure put forth by Rep. Chris England, a Democrat from Tuscaloosa. Following this approval, the bill is set to be presented to the full Alabama House of Representatives for further consideration.

This legislation seeks to establish a Criminal Justice Policy Development Council tasked with creating guidelines for parole eligibility. Although the current three-member board would retain the final say on granting parole to inmates, they would now be mandated to supply a written justification whenever their decisions diverge from the established guidelines.

After the committee’s vote, England expressed that this move signifies an acknowledgment that the existing parole process and structure are inadequate. He emphasized the necessity for reform within the system.

Over recent years, Alabama has experienced a drastic decline in its parole rates. The proportion of inmates granted parole following their hearings dropped significantly from 53% in 2018 to an alarming low of just 8% in 2023. However, preliminary statistics indicate a slight recovery, with the rate rising to approximately 20% in 2024.

The renewed focus on this legislation follows a contentious meeting in October during which Alabama lawmakers intensely interrogated the head of the state’s parole board regarding the dismal release rates. Lawmakers expressed frustrations over the lack of communication and information from the board that they had requested months prior.