SB97 Summary - "The Scottsboro Boys Act"

• Establishes a process for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to grant posthumous pardons to deceased individuals convicted of Class A or Class B felonies, provided the acts were committed at least 80 years prior to petition.

• Requires petitioners to be either a judge in the judicial circuit where conviction occurred or the district attorney in the county of conviction, and must demonstrate the conviction involved compelling reasons to remedy social injustice associated with racial discrimination.

• Mandates petitions include attestations that the petitioner conducted an intelligent evaluation of the case and supporting documentation or evidence of the compelling reasons for the posthumous pardon.

• Requires a board hearing on the petition where petitioners, public officials, and witnesses may testify; posthumous pardons require unanimous affirmative vote of the board and do not require formal delivery or acceptance by the candidate's family to be valid.

• Exempts posthumous pardon proceedings from standard notification requirements and protects board files and records under governmental privilege; provides immunity from liability and bars legal claims including for reparations related to posthumous pardons.