HB407 "Stop Starving AL Prisoners" bill passes committee

Many thanks to all of you who wrote/called/visited your legislator and asked for their support on HB407, the "STOP STARVING ALABAMA INMATES" bill, which was, believe it or not, sponsored by police officer/legislator Re. Allen Treadaway (R- Jefferson). HB497 passed the House County and Municipal Government committee today. We did it! Later, I will post updates about what action needs to be taken next to get this bill on the Governor's desk.

Currently, all I know about HB253 (drug testing bill) and HB483 (criminal records expungement bill) are that they were both read a second time in the house of origin....and to be perfectly honest I am not sure what that means exactly. The Tuscaloosa News and other newspapers generally post a legislative action summary around this time of day, so, hopefully I will know more soon.

Another Good Bill to Support this Week

HB407 would put an end to the disgraceful practice of county sheriff's getting rich by starving prisoners. Currently in Alabama there is a law (it's in the Alabama Constitution) that whatever money is left over from feeding inmates the sheriff gets to put in his pocket. Morgan Co. Sheriff Greg Bartlett pocketed over $200,000. Since there is only a $1.75 day allowance per prisoner per day one wonders how any money would be left over at all. That $1.75 covers all three meals. Can you eat or feed your family members three meals a day on $1.75?

In Jan. on 2009 Judge UW Clemon locked up Morgan County Sheriff Greg Bartlett in his own jail for starving the inmates under his care.

HB407 would mandate that any monies left over be deposited into an account to be used ONLY for feeding inmates.

Please contact the County and Municipal Government Committee and ask them to pass HB407.