Issues to watch in the 2018 legislative session
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers return to Montgomery on Tuesday to begin the 2018 legislative session. Here are seven issues to watch throughout the session.
———
PRISON SPENDING
Alabama is facing a court order to improve conditions in its prisons after a federal judge last year ruled that mental health care was "horrendously inadequate." State lawmakers this session will deal with the price tag of trying to comply with the ruling against the state.
The prison system is seeking an additional $80 million over the next two years to boost staffing and pay for an expanded health care contract. The judge found a lack of staff was a significant contributor to the poor conditions.
Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn said the prison system needs to add as many as 1,000 corrections officers.
Read more: http://www.dothaneagle.com/news/ap/state/issues-to-watch-in-the-legislative-session/article_3a5a816a-c4f3-5f68-9817-bf264210f6e7.html