Alabama families tell lawmakers of parole mishaps: ‘We are listening’

Families ask legislators not to "shove old problems into shiny, new buildings"

At Alabama’s annual prison oversight hearing, testimonies highlighted poor conditions, parole guideline issues and the violent nature of the system.

‘Too many people dying:’ Speakers describe loved ones’ ordeals in Alabama prisons

Tim Mathis addresses lawmakers on the Joint Prison Oversight Committee meeting on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Mathis spoke about his son, who was killed in Elmore Correctional Facility in June 2024. Members heard from several speakers about the harrowing conditions in Alabama’s prisons. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector)Advocates, experts, formerly incarcerated individuals and family members of those behind bars Wednesday described an Alabama priso…

Alabama families tell lawmakers of parole mishaps: ‘We are listening’

Families told the Joint Prison Oversight Committee on Wednesday that the hope of parole is the best incentive for good behavior in prison.