The state prison commissioner says outbreaks of violence, including the stabbing death of a corrections officer last month, illustrate the need for new state prisons
Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn made the remarks Tuesday as he briefed legislators on the governor's $800 million prison construction proposal. Dunn said the situation in state prisons has become urgent.
The proposal calls for the construction of three super-sized prisons for men and one for women. Most existing prisons would close.
Gov. Robert Bentley pushed the idea in the 2016 legislative session, but the measure failed as lawmakers questioned the department's ability to pay for the project through consolidation savings.
Dunn said they are working on a project study to reassure lawmakers about the finances.
Bentley is considering a special session on the legislation.