MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A divided Alabama legislative committee delayed a vote on a proposal that would allow inmates to speak by video conference at their parole hearings.
“It ultimately guts the bill. Let’s just be honest,” Rep. Chris England, a Democrat from Tuscaloosa, said of the proposal to change the bill.which was approved Supporters said that would allow parole board members to question the inmate directly and get information to help them in their decision. The inmate would not be able to hear or interact with victims and their advocates, according to the bill.
Wanda Miller, executive director of the VOCAL, a victims advocacy group, said after the meeting that they are concerned about the impact on the victims if they must hear or see the people who victimized them.