Across Alabama, the Parole Board continues to deny freedom to individuals who are facing death behind bars, even when their circumstances are dire. The heartbreaking story of Ms. Leola Harris is one such example. Denied parole despite her life-threatening condition, she was later released on medical furlough—a fate shared by others in similarly tragic situations. Ms. Harris, along with two others, was nearing death when the Parole Board turned a blind eye to their suffering, only to have them later released under the same statute.

Leola Harris, Sentence Date 11/24/2003

Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Commissioner John Hamm pointed to the 2008 Medical Furlough Act, a law that allows for the discretionary release of incarcerated individuals with severe medical conditions, bypassing the Parole Board’s approval. “The Medical Furlough Act allows the ADOC to release certain geriatric, permanently incapacitated, or terminally ill inmates to their families under strict conditions. These inmates are better served in this capacity, and it frees up resources for those who pose a greater threat,” Hamm explained.

Despite this provision, we continue to witness the inhumane denial of parole for individuals whose medical conditions make it clear that their only future in prison is death. Alabama’s prison infirmaries are overrun with those who are dying, yet help is often withheld until it’s too late. “Is this making us safer?” asks former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb. “Are we safer when we let old, sick, and dying people rot in prison? The answer is no. It’s wasting taxpayer dollars and failing to protect public safety.”

Commissioner Hamm agrees, noting that public safety is critical but questioning why the system clings to those who no longer pose any threat. “If someone is beyond the point of reoffending, if public safety is no longer an issue, why aren’t we using this law more often?”

We believe the people of Alabama must rise up and demand real, meaningful change in our parole and prison systems. Until that day comes, we will continue to amplify the stories of those who have been failed by the system. Their voices, silenced for too long, deserve to be heard.

The 2024 session of the Alabama Legislature began last month, and early on there was renewed hope for meaningful criminal justice reform, spearheaded by Representative Chris England of Tuscaloosa. England’s proposed bills aim to address crucial issues plaguing the state’s justice system, from oversight of parole decisions to addressing flaws in the death penalty sentencing process.

One of England’s pivotal proposals, HB 30, seeks to establish a state council tasked with developing standards for the Board of Pardons and Paroles. This move comes in response to the alarming decline in parole grants, which have plummeted from 54% to a mere 7% in recent years. With overcrowded prisons and a system struggling to cope, oversight and accountability are urgently needed.

Rep. Chris England, D- , speaks during a committee meeting during a special session, Friday, July 21, 2023 in Montgomery, Ala. (Alabama Reflector Photo by Stew Milne)

The proposed Criminal Justice Policy Development Council would comprise diverse voices, including law enforcement personnel, elected officials, and community leaders. By establishing clear guidelines for parole decisions and providing avenues for appeals, HB 30 offers a pathway to fairer outcomes within the system.

Opposition to such reforms, as voiced by some Republican committee members, must be scrutinized. Concerns about government size should not overshadow the pressing need for reform, especially when lives and the well-being of communities are at stake. It’s imperative to move beyond political divisions and prioritize the well-being of all Alabamians.

Leola Harris, a dying woman facing End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD),Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM), Hypertension (HTN), AV Fistula and Dialysis was denied parole in January 2023.

Additionally, England’s proposed bills address flaws in the death penalty sentencing process. HB 27 offers a chance for resentencing for those whose sentences were overridden by judges, a critical step towards rectifying past injustices. Furthermore, requiring unanimous jury votes for death penalty imposition reflects a commitment to fairness and justice.

The consequences of flawed sentencing practices are stark, as evidenced by recent executions where jury verdicts were not unanimous. These cases underscore the urgent need for reform to ensure that justice is served equitably and transparently. Cases like that of Leola Harris, a dying woman, who we reported last year, was denied parole.

Public support for these reforms is palpable, with advocates from diverse backgrounds rallying behind calls for change. The international spotlight on Alabama’s death penalty issues underscores the importance of addressing these longstanding injustices.

As the 2024 legislative session goes on, Alabama has a unique opportunity to lead the way in criminal justice reform. By supporting Representative England’s bills, lawmakers can demonstrate a commitment to fairness, accountability, and redemption within the justice system. It’s time to seize this moment and enact reforms that reflect our shared values of justice and compassion.