Weekly Report from the Board Meeting at Holman Prison 1.7.26
As Alabama apparently does not keep up with science and does not believe in rehabilitation “Republican lawmakers will try again next month to pass legislation to prevent judges from granting youthful offender status to those age 16 or older who are charged with capital murder or intentional murder.House Bill 11 by Rep. Phillip Pettus, R-Killen, and Senate Bill 25 by Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield, say those 16 and up must be charged as adults.”
Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa) said Alabamians should be the ones to decide whether to keep or get rid of the death penalty. He said it is a topic that has people passionate on both sides of the issue, which is what led to prefiling House Bill 76.“If we trust the people to elect us, we should also trust them to make decisions based on whether to execute people,” he said. “Rather than getting into the weeds on those discussions, I think it would be pertinent for us to decide overall whether we want to continue executing people.” If the bill were passed it would not be voted on until 2028 but we are grateful that our issue is kept alive!
The Progressive: “When is it ok to kill the Disabled” points out that the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling about disability will affect more than the disabled on death row: “In addition to establishing competency in criminal cases, the definition of intellectual disability also is relevant in determining eligibility for health care programs, home and community-based services, educational services, and more. Should the Court side with Alabama in Smith’s case, it will essentially refuse to set a standard that requires the application of consistent standards that are based on medical evidence and best practices, which could have far-reaching negative effects for all people with intellectual disabilities. As Jennifer Mathis, deputy director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, has said, it “could have ramifications far beyond the death penalty.” So let’s hope the Supreme Court has a rare burst of wisdom while deliberating on this case.”
The Execution Intervention Project had its monthly meeting and several important events are scheduled for us in Alabama for January and early February. We will keep you informed!
We thank all who are working so hard and diligently to stop all killing in Alabama! And as always in closing, we thank all our generous donors who either gave by going to our website and using the “donate” button or who gave directly. Thank you also to all who took the time to read our notes, commented, liked and shared them on Facebook. Stay safe and be kind to each other.
Esther
