It has now been six months since the Department of Justice (DoJ) issued an edict alleging Alabama’s prisons violated the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.
According to lawmakers, the State of Alabama and the DoJ have been working toward a solution, with the ultimate plan being decided upon in a likely special session of the legislature.
During an appearance Friday on Alabama Public Television’s “Capitol Journal,” State Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) gave an update on those proceedings with the DoJ. He also previewed possible aspects of future plans.
One course of action offered by policymakers is to take on sentencing reform, which in theory would lessen sentences for some crimes and potentially lessen the burden on overcrowded prisons.
However, Marsh said while he would entertain conversations about sentencing reform, he argued the focus should be aimed at vocational training.
“You know, it’s always part of the discussion,” Marsh said. “And I’m glad to have that discussion. We’ll look at that. But there again, the conversations I’ve had – more importance is being put on the vocational training aspect. Those people who are slated to get out currently, that when they come out, they have a vocation in order to get a job. But I have no argument looking at sentencing reform – what is deemed necessary. I would rely heavily on law enforcement in that direction – district attorneys and sheriffs to tell us what they see as a problem in current sentencing, and judges, of course. But there again, I’ve been more focused on the vocational training aspect of it.”
@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University, the editor of Breitbart TV and host of “The Jeff Poor Show” from 2-5 p.m. on WVNN in Huntsville.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.