Alabama Senate approves bill to allow virtual participation in parole hearings with implementation delay

The Alabama Senate adopted S.B. 240, a measure by Senator Chris Barfoot to allow victims and inmates to join pardons and parole hearings remotely by telephone or video technology and to give board members the ability to question remote participants.

Proponents said the measure would make hearings more accessible to victims and families who travel long distances and would allow the parole board to gather more information before deciding whether to grant release. Senator Barfoot described the bill as a way to let victims and inmates “have their voice heard” without imposing long travel burdens and said virtual appearance could provide decision-makers with additional relevant testimony.

Senators raised implementation concerns, including platform reliability and secure connectivity inside correctional facilities. Senator Singleton offered an amendment requiring cooperation between the Department of Corrections and the Board of Pardons and Paroles on technical implementation and pushed the bill’s effective date back to March 1, 2027 to allow agencies time to prepare. Senator Barfoot supported the amendment as a reasonable way to address technical and operational issues.

The chamber agreed to carry the bill over earlier in the day while the amendment was finalized; after the Singleton amendment was adopted, the Senate approved the bill by voice/roll call. The final passage was recorded with 33 ayes and no nays.

The bill directs state agencies to permit remote testimony by phone or video for victims and inmates; it does not eliminate in-person appearances. Implementation details and any required safeguards will be developed in coordination between the agencies named in the amendment.

Senator Barfoot moved final passage; the motion was adopted and the Senate gave S.B. 240 its third reading as amended. The measure will proceed to any remaining procedural steps for enrollment and transmittal to the appropriate authorities.