oversight Archives • Alabama Political Reporter

Analysis: Bill to overhaul Ethics Act risks boosting corruption, weakens oversight

This change would fundamentally undermine the Ethics Commission's independence, compromising its ability to function.

February 19, 2024

FAMM testifies about the need for independent prison oversight in Alabama

A poll issued by the organization found 82 percent of respondents favor independent prison oversight.

December 14, 2023

Pre-filed bill would create oversight for parole board

Rep. Chris England's bill would create a temporary council to oversee the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

December 12, 2023

Advocates gather to lobby for parole oversight bill

Advocates say the board is in clear need of oversight considering the precipitous drop in parole approval rates.

April 5, 2023

Gas tax takes effect Sept. 1.

Sherwood Sparks sure would like to see some of Alabama’s new gas tax increase, set to hit the pumps on Sept. 1, go toward improving safety on the roads leading to his hometown of Piedmont. “Paying the tax doesn’t bother me,” Sparks said. “As long as I can see some results from my taxes for … Continued

August 15, 2019

Where are Dick Tracy and Sergeant Friday when we need them?

If you are an old-timer like me, or maybe just someone who listened while your daddy told you about the “good old days,” you know that Dick Tracy was the square-jawed detective in the comic books and Sergeant Friday was the star of Dragnet back in the days of black and white TV. Like all … Continued

May 16, 2019

Prison reform, construction package expected before end of session

A wide-ranging package of bills aimed at prison reform is expected to drop in the Alabama Legislature in the next few weeks, the chairman of the Senate’s judiciary committee tells the Alabama Political Reporter. The legislative package includes sentencing reforms, oversight legislation, reporting requirements and a new prison construction plan. The package, when it is … Continued

April 29, 2019

Senate approves ALDOT oversight bill

The Alabama Senate has approved a bill that would provide additional oversight for the Alabama Department of Transportation as part of a set of bills accompanying the governor’s gas tax increase legislation. The bill — approved by a 30 to 0 vote on Friday — would require ALDOT to use objective criteria to prioritize road … Continued

March 11, 2019

Sen. Cam Ward will again chair the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee

The senator largely responsible for rewriting many of Alabama’s antiquated sentencing laws and who has led an effort to reform Alabama’s prisons will again chair the Alabama Senate’s Judiciary Committee. Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, was selected to chair the powerful committee responsible for oversight of Alabama’s criminal justice system. Ward, who has served in the … Continued

January 17, 2019