Many Republicans were surprised when Gov. Kay Ivey included two measures that would retroactively apply so-called criminal justice reform measures in her prison construction special session call.
One proposed bill would allow those convicted prior to a successful 2013 sentencing reform effort to have their sentences re-evaluated. Another would expand the number of felons that would qualify for release and supervision by the Bureau of Pardons & Paroles if convicted before 2015.
During an interview with Birmingham NBC affiliate WVTM 13, Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey said she opposed the legislation and gave an emotional plea for crime victims to get in touch with their members of the Alabama Legislature.
“I’m a little more emotionally invested in victims than others,” she said. “Essentially, what House Bill 2 is allowing to happen is to allow murderers to get out early. We don’t have truth in sentencing in Alabama, so even if they’re sentenced to 30 years, it doesn’t mean 30 years.”
“I would call on any person who has been a victim of violent crime or any person who has had a person in their family — call your representative, call your senator … it’s going to be a quick session,” Casey continued. “There will not be time for next week. I mean [the legislature] could be out by Friday afternoon. Make the call now.”
@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, the editor of Breitbart TV, a columnist for Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly, and host of Mobile’s “The Jeff Poor Show” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on FM Talk 106.5.
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