The Birmingham News
October 18, 2005

 
A task force looking into prison crowding wants more rehabilitation of inmates, more alternatives to prison and sentencing reforms that make better use of prison space, according to its initial report.

That means the task force is definitely on the right course. The question is whether the task force's report, when it is finalized, will get the support it deserves in the state Legislature.

Gov. Bob Riley, who appointed the task force to look for ways to resolve chronic and growing overcrowding in state prisons, had said he might call the Legislature into special session this year to consider the task force's recommendations. Riley now says he will wait to present the prison reform package until the Legislature convenes for its regular session in January.

That's a wise move. Calling lawmakers into special session would burn taxpayers' dollars, with no guarantee lawmakers would agree on the prison legislation.

But lawmakers must take seriously the governor's call to pass the prison reform bills. In the past, the Legislature has dropped the ball.

This past legislative session, a package of important sentencing reform bills died in the Legislature. Among many measures, the bills would have established voluntary sentencing standards for judges to use that would result in more reasonable and consistent sentences.

Some of the bills passed the House but never made it out of the Senate. That can't happen again.

In its draft report last week, the task force recommended passage of those bills. It also said the prison system database of offenders should be updated and information exchanged between agencies, and the state should make more use of transition centers, community corrections, drug treatment and prison industries, and that more prisons be built.

Riley should receive a final report within two weeks.

It is time for action. The number of inmates in Alabama prisons is growing at an unsustainable rate. Making matters worse is a shortage of prison guards and money.

Somehow, the state must slow the number of prisoners entering the system while making sure those convicted of crimes are held accountable and pay their debt to society.

The governor's task force is pointing to that way: smarter sentencing and better use of effective and proven alternatives.

The Legislature can't afford to fumble again.

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