Board of Pardons and Paroles; discretion whether to grant or deny parole, further provided; review of parole violations, procedure further provided to require consideration of totality of circumstances; penalties for certain parole-violations, increased

This bill changes how the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles handles parole violations. It requires the board to consider the ‘totality of circumstances’ when reviewing violations and increases penalties for certain violations, such as possessing a firearm or absconding. The bill also establishes a process for residential transition centers and county jails to hold parolees who violate their terms and allows for shorter periods of confinement, up to 45 days, depending on the nature of the violation. Furthermore, it creates a dedicated Parole Revocation Hearing Officer position.