A bipartisan group of lawmakers is urging Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to call a special session as the state attempts to respond to scathing Department of Justice findings regarding state prisons.

Leaders of both parties held a Thursday press conference to discuss legislators’ attempts to respond to the Justice Department.Senate Judiciary Chairman Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) said lawmakers are working on sentencing reform, prison construction, staffing issues and other matters.

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) said there is not enough time remaining in the legislative session to address prisons.

The U.S. Department of Justice last month issued a report that condemned state prisons for excessive violence, inmate deaths and a critical staffing shortage.

The Justice Department directed the state to make changes or face a civil lawsuit.
(Associated Press, copyright 2018)

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