AL HB523

Board of Pardons and Paroles must adopt rules establishing a minimum amount of time to hear advocates for and against inmate parole, with time allocable on a case-by-case basis depending on case complexity and number of speakers.

Fifty percent of total hearing time shall be allocated to the inmate and their advocates for parole, and fifty percent to advocates against parole.

Individuals authorized to speak at parole hearings include inmates' chosen representatives (without license requirement), crime victims and their families, authorized victim representatives (without license requirement), law enforcement officers, and Attorney General or district attorney representatives.

Board members may only explain their parole decision if an oral or written request is made by an individual attending the hearing.

The act becomes effective October 1, 2025.