Lawsuit seeks to stop construction of 3 new men s prisons in Alabama
Opponents of a prison construction plan have filed suit to stop construction of three new men’s prisons, arguing the plan violates the state constitution and unlawfully bypassed the Legislature.
The action opens a new front in the battle over the proposed facilities for the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC). Gov. Kay Ivey says new prisons will address a violence and overcrowding epidemic in the state prisons.
The plans have drawn strong opposition in communities getting the prisons and a good deal of unease from the Alabama Legislature.
“ADOC leasing and contracting regulations do not allow the governor to negotiate a private deal on its behalf, bypassing competitive bidding regulations and the ADOC approval process,” the lawsuit says.