Senate Commitee Approves Prison Proposal

A Senate committee has advanced Gov. Robert Bentley's proposal to build four new prisons.  The Senate budget committee approved the bill.  The vote came on the heels of two violent uprisings at a south Alabama prison that Bentley blamed on overcrowding.  Sen. Cam Ward said the uprisings show that the state desperately needs new prisons.  Bentley is seeking approval for an $800 million bond issue and a bid law change so design and construction can be awarded in one contract.  However, some lawmakers raised concerns about the plan as it heads to an uncertain Senate vote.