The Alabama House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday voted to repeal the state's Habitual Felony Offender Act after a heated debate between two members about what the bill would and would not do to enhanced sentences.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Christopher England, D-Tuscaloosa, got approval on a 9-5 vote, with Democrats and Republicans voting to approve the bill. It goes to the full House for consideration.
"It changes the sentencing scheme for courtrooms across the state when dealing with an offender who has multiple offenses," England said. "On the other end of the spectrum, it also creates the opportunity for those who have been incarcerated for a very long time as a result of habitual offender, and yet it doesn't guarantee the release, but it gives them the ability to have their sentences reviewed."