Legislative News

AG Marshall: Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit could be effective in Birmingham

By VOCAL | September 28, 2024

By: Austen ShipleySeptember 27, 2024 Article courtesy of AG Marshall: Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit could be effective in Birmingham – Yellowhammer News In light of Birmingham’s most recent fatal mass shooting, state authorities are now offering the city’s embattled police department additional resources to fight the rapidly growing crime rate. Alabama’s top law enforcement official,…

Dysfunctional parole board forces prisons to take matters into their own hands

By VOCAL | September 13, 2024

Parole continues to be a rare privilege granted to exceedingly few incarcerated people. By Alex Jobin Article courtesy of: https://www.alreporter.com/2024/09/06/dysfunctional-parole-board-forces-prisons-to-take-matters-into-their-own-hands/ Published on September 6, 2024 at 7:00 am CDT For years, Alabama’s parole system has faced scrutiny, as the rate of prisoners granted parole has plummeted since Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles Chair Leigh…

Paul DeMarco: Alabama’s so-called “Prison Reform” Has Created More Crime Victims in Our State

By VOCAL | June 30, 2024

By Paul DeMarco Paul DeMarco: Alabama’s so-called “Prison Reform” Has Created More Crime Victims in Our State | The Trussville Tribune There are consequences when lawmakers in Montgomery listen to progressive advocacy groups and not their constituents. Two weeks ago, a violent felon was given 8 life sentences for the kidnapping and rape of two…

Paul DeMarco: Alabama leaders should advance public safety legislation to address state’s plague of violent crime

By VOCAL | June 5, 2024

Paul DeMarco | 06.03.24 – Paul DeMarco: Alabama leaders should advance public safety legislation to address state’s plague of violent crime (1819news.com) This past session of the Alabama Legislature seemed to have more than its fair share of controversial issues. Between gambling, ethics reform, school choice and IVF legislation, it was hard to keep up.  But…

Alabama Attorney General Announces Indictments in 2015 Death of Eric Cates

By VOCAL | May 20, 2024

Courtesy of the Calhoun County JournalMay 19, 2024 https://calhounjournal.com/2024/05/19/ By: Lee Evancho Walker County, AL – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has announced the indictments of Joshua Franklin Hill, 35, and Luke Williams, Jr., 34, both of Walker County, for the 2015 death of Eric Cates. The two men have been charged with Capital Murder following…

Jefferson County DA explains new Victim Notification System website

By VOCAL | April 17, 2024

By Lauren Harksen Article courtesy of WBRC Published: Mar. 26, 2024 at 10:54 PM CDT|Updated: Mar. 26, 2024 at 11:03 PM CDT BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – A brand new website is now up and running to expand access and services to crime victims in our state. It keeps people “in the know” on what’s happening with Alabama inmates. The Alabama…

VOCAL Announces New Executive Director

By VOCAL | March 5, 2024

(Montgomery) — The VOCAL Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Wanda Miller has been selected as the organization’s new executive director. Miller has extensive experience as an advocate for crime victims, with her efforts focused on legislative concerns, law enforcement training, public awareness, and the establishment of programs to benefit crime victims across…

AG Marshall on nation’s first-ever nitrogen hypoxia execution: ‘Alabama has done it, and now so can you’

By VOCAL | January 30, 2024

Craig Monger | 01.26.24 Courtesy of: AG Marshall on nation’s first-ever nitrogen hypoxia execution: ‘Alabama has done it, and now so can you’ (1819news.com) MONTGOMERY — Attorney General Steve Marshall spoke Friday morning on Thursday evening’s execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith, which was the first-ever execution in the state carried out by nitrogen hypoxia. Smith was…

Shelby County Sheriff voted Alabama’s Sheriff of the Year

By VOCAL | January 26, 2024

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor COLUMBIANA – Sheriff John Samaniego named 2024 Alabama Sheriff of the Year – Shelby County Reporter | Shelby County Reporter Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego has been named as the Alabama Sheriff of the Year for 2024 by the Alabama Sheriff’s Association. During a winter conference in Auburn, the…

Parole grant rate rises with start of new year

By VOCAL | January 20, 2024

Recent data shows an uptick in the percentage of people being granted parole, although still far short of the board’s guidelines. Article published on AL Political Reporter By JACOB HOLMESParole grant rate rises with start of new year (alreporter.com) Published on January 19, 2024 at 7:30 am CST Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles  It’s…

Governor Kay Ivey Issues Executive Order #716

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 716

Imposing a Temporary Moratorium on Early Parole Hearings and Requiring the Submission and Implementation of a Corrective Action Plan for the Board of Pardons and Paroles.