The ACLU of Alabama on Wednesday praised Alabama lawmakers for approving “much-needed legislation to improve the pardons and parole process” during the 2026 Legislative Session, but advocates caution that lawmakers stopped short of implementing the reforms needed to significantly address the state prison system’s flaws.
The ACLU of Alabama applauded the passage of these bills while warning that lawmakers “did little to address the systemic failures driving overcrowding and violence in Alabama’s prisons.” Among the legislation lawmakers approved were House Bill 86, Senate Bill 240 and Senate Bill 254.
“These legislative wins did not happen in isolation; they are the direct result of sustained advocacy,” said Nichelle Cunningham, an ACLU of Alabama paralegal. “We are grateful to the lawmakers, partners, and the citizens of Alabama who have remained committed to parole reform through our Smart Justice programs, lobby days, and continued public pressure. This is what integrated, collective action looks like.”…