MONTOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is creating a study commission to make recommendations on criminal justice reform as the state tries to address overcrowded and understaffed state prisons.
Ivey on Thursday announced the formation of the Governor's Study Group on Criminal Justice. A statement from her office said the group will gather data related to current sentencing laws and recidivism and gather examples of best practices from other states.
The Department of Justice earlier this year threatened the state with a lawsuit because of violent and unconstitutional conditions in state prisons.
The state attorney general, the state prison commissioner, several legislators and others will serve on the group. The panel will meet until the 2020 legislative session.
Ivey spokeswoman Gina Mailola said a special session is not off the table.