By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Governor Riley has reached a compromise on the issue of restoring voting rights to felons. The House Government Finance and Appropriations Committee approved a bill today that would allow felons who have completed their sentences and paid their fines or restitution to apply for voting rights restoration. The governor reached the agreement with several black legislators who have been pushing a proposal that would streamline such efforts for certain felons. The bill also would expand the number of seats on the state parole board from three to seven. It would also create about 100 new parole officer positions. The governor says an efficient parole process will help reduce the state prison population of non-violent criminals.