Debate Continues on Prison Construction Proposal

The House of Representatives is in lengthy debate on Gov. Robert Bentley's $800 million prison construction proposal.  Lawmakers discussed the legislation for more than four hours Thursday.  Some lawmakers said the building project would solve safety and financial problems in the state prisons, while opposed lawmakers suggested it might compound them.  Bentley is seeking to borrow $800 to build three new mega prisons for men, that will house up to 4,000 inmates each and one new prison for women.  Most existing prisons would be closed.  Rep. Mike Jones told House members that decaying prisons hold nearly twice the number of inmates they were designed to hold.  Opposed lawmakers questioned the cost and economic impact on communities that lose prisons.