Sponsor says Senate bill likely being scaled down

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – The lawmaker sponsoring Gov. Robert Bentley’s $800 million prison construction plan says the proposal is likely being scaled down as it heads to a committee vote next week.

Republican Sen. Cam Ward of Alabaster said the Senate Judiciary Committee will vote Tuesday on a smaller version. He said senators are negotiating on the specifics of the bill.

Bentley had sought to build four new prisons. Ward said the proposal will still be substantial.

The committee delayed a vote Wednesday in order to continue negotiations.

Bentley legislative director Wesley Helton says the administration is working with legislators to get the best bill they can.

Alabama Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn told lawmakers in a public hearing Wednesday that something “catastrophic” could happen in state prisons if overcrowding is not addressed.

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