State officials gathered for the first in a series of meetings to investigate how to create a victim notification system for individuals incarcerated at county jails.

The Joint Interim Study Commission on Local and County Victim Notification, which held an organizational meeting Tuesday at the Alabama statehouse, comes after the state established a victim notification system for those in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections.

“We really need to understand what is currently being done in these counties, what needs to be done in the future, and if the state is part of that funding solution or does that fall back on individual counties,” said Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, who was elected chair of the commission. Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, was elected vice chair. Reynolds and Albritton, respectively, chair the Alabama House and Senate general fund budget committees.

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The state has a contract with a private firm to have the Victim Information and Notification Everyday system provide notices to crime victims on the status of perpetrators within the criminal justice system, but that system tracks only those within the custody of the department of corrections and the bureau of pardons & paroles.

The terms of the contract, including the name of the company and the cost, were not disclosed. A message was left with the Alabama attorney general’s office and the parole bureau Tuesday seeking comment on the contract.

The state had a system to track the status of those held in the custody of county jails, but it was no longer valid when the state initiated its own system for tracking people within the state’s custody. The state is identifying possible avenues for replacing the system.

Some counties also had a contract with Notification Everyday to provide notifications to victims of crimes within county jurisdictions. Since the state had a contract with the company providing the service, the company extended the service free of charge to counties without a contract.

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As a result, some counties pay for the system, but others do not. According to a map provided to the committee on Tuesday, many of the counties with system are concentrated in North Central Alabama. Many of those without the system are isolated to the southern part of the state.

Many Black Belt counties operate without such a system. This includes Dallas, Marengo, Hale, Greene, Elmore, Macon and Montgomery counties.

“So the problem is now, what created this, is the state doing its own system, which is working very well for it is doing for the state, but it is not doing local notification for those inmates coming out of our county jails,” Reynolds said.

The state unveiled its automatic victim notification system at a March news conference that featured several law enforcement agencies and representatives from the court system.

In 2011, the legislature passed a bill by former Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, who now oversees the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, that created the Automated Victim Notification System and Implementation Task Force. The task force was charged with creating an integrated victim notification system.

In 2015, the legislature passed a bill that granted early release for specific people in custody of the corrections department based on the amount of time they were in custody and on different levels. That bill only applied to those who would be incarcerated after that 2015 bill passed.

In 2021, lawmakers passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Jim Hill, R-Odenville, that made the 2015 bill retroactive.

Many, however, were not released on time after the Alabama attorney general’s office filed a lawsuit against Corrections Commissioner John Hamm seeking to delay the release of inmates until victims were notified.

The revamped system provides updates on the status of individuals in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections and pardons and paroles — not people who are held within county jails.

“Today, it is working,” said Maury Mitchell, the state crime information director, at the meeting Tuesday. “It takes the original bill by Mr. Ward. So it is a notification required by pardons and paroles and corrections when someone comes out or when several triggers happen.”

Members of the committee will continue to study the issue for the next several months. The study commission has not set its next meeting date.

Read more at AlabamaReflector.com.

Sweet Home Alabama, as it is fondly called, reflects the natural elegance, sophisticated cultures, and historic allure of the Southern United States. Find these southern charms and more across its beautiful small towns, which have remained unsullied for ages and glitter across all seasons. From the picturesque shoreline of Orange Beach to the waterfalls and lakes of Tuscumbia, these towns in Alabama reflect incredible beauty that only a few other places can boast of. These communities also host unique attractions that visitors will love, like a restaurant under a massive rock and one of the world’s largest artificial waterfalls. Step into these towns in Alabama in 2024 and get ready for unforgettable experiences.

Florence

Florence is a majestic town in the Shoals region of Alabama, along the Tennessee River, where it courts the attention of tourists year-round. The town boasts many parks for recreational pursuits, but the River Heritage Park stands out for its scenic views of the Tennessee River and Wilson Dam from overlooks. The park also has an interactive fountain, a playground, and picnic shelters for more fun. Wilson Lake, Pickwick Lake, and Wheeler Dam are other local scenic outdoor attractions for water adventures like fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking.

The Tennessee River also invites tourists to more water adventures. History aficionados can check out the Rosenbaum House, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces, and art lovers can shop for local crafts at Stella and Goose. When hungry, hit top restaurants in town like Odette, The Pie Factory, and Lost Pizza for light and full-course meals.

Marion

Marion is a historic town in Perry County that blends a glorious past with contemporary outdoor charms. Visitors to Marion will be greeted with historic attractions such as The Chapel and Lovelace Hall at Marion Military Institute (built in 1854), Henry House (built in the 1840s), and Kenworthy Hall (built from 1858 to 1860). Meanwhile, the Old Marion Depot is an ancient railway station in Marion, now a museum preserving the town’s history and its role in the Civil War.

Outside, Perry Lakes Park & Barton’s Beach Cahaba Preserve is a 700-acre environmental park in town to watch birds, hike trails in a hardwood forest, relax in picnic areas, and fish, canoe, or kayak in its four oxbow swamp lakes. Don’t miss a meal at Lotus Garden, one of the town’s finest restaurants offering Asian delicacies.

Eufaula

Eufaula is a beautiful town along the Chattahoochee River on the Georgia-Alabama border, which is full of scenery and adventures. This town is home to Lake Eufaula, covering a 45,000-acre area along the Chattahoochee River, making the area ideal for water sports, from fishing to boating, kayaking, and more. Camping and picnicking are also offered in the lake area. For wildlife lovers, visit the 11,184-acre Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge and look out for American alligators, coyotes, and some of the area’s 300 species of birds, including great blue herons, wood ducks, and ospreys.

Eufaula also has something for history enthusiasts as it hosts the Italianate-style Fendall’s Hall (built around 1856) and Shorter Mansion (built around 1901). For shopping enthusiasts, visit Southern Charm to grab jewelry and souvenirs and enjoy a delicious meal afterward at Cajun Corner.

Guntersville

Step into Northern Alabama and be stunned by the beauty of Guntersville, a charming town in Marshall County. The town lies on the shores of Lake Guntersville, Alabama’s largest lake at 69,000 acres. Enjoy majestic views of the lake at Lake Guntersville State Park, and immerse in its beauty by kayaking, boating, fishing, paddling, and hiking inland trails. Zipline canopy tours are also available in the park for more scenery and thrills.

Away from the lake, adventurers can hike on the 3.7-mile Sunset Drive/Walking Trail on an idle evening to capture some of the best sunset views in Alabama. A bit of history always makes a vacation exciting, and the Guntersville Museum and Cultural Center invites visitors to glimpse into the area’s bygone area via its artifacts, relics, and bird exhibits. When hungry, visit Fire By The Lake or Big Mike’s Steakhouse for some of the best local meals.

Fairhope

Fairhope dazzles in picturesque elegance and historic beauty on the eastern shores of Mobile Bay in Baldwin County. Once here, walk along the Fairhope Municipal Pier and admire the yachts and sailboats floating on the bay waters, watch birds, and stop to swim on the bay. There is also a marina on the pier for boating on the bay, alongside shops and restaurants for indulgences.

Proceed to the Weeks Bay Preserve to see marshes, wetlands, forests, birds, and wildlife, such as snakes, hermit crabs, and baby alligators, while hiking on a nature trail. For art lovers, patronize the works of local artists at the Eastern Shore Art Center and use them as souvenirs. As for history, the Fairhope Museum of History brings the past to the present via exhibits and presentations, while tours are also offered.

Tuscumbia

Tuscumbia is an iconic town along the Tennessee River, framed by the magnificent Appalachian Mountains where natural scenery meets history. A visit here can start on a historical note at the Ivy Green Historic Museum, the home and birthplace of renowned activist Hellen Keller, who made her mark in the world via activism despite being deaf and blind. The museum contains artifacts that helped her connect with the world and other exhibits that reflect her life and times.

Tuscumbia also hosts the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, where the legacies of music icons across the state are preserved and celebrated. Away from history, visitors can head to the Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve to explore hiking trails that wind through woods, shrubs, and along waterfalls. Next, visit Spring Park to see one of the largest man-made stone waterfalls. The park also features a spring-fed lake with a jet fountain and picnic shelters for relaxation. After exploring, head to Rattlesnake Saloon, located beneath a massive rock overhang, to enjoy an incredibly unique dining experience.

Orange Beach

Orange Beach is a beautiful town along the Gulf of Mexico surrounded by turquoise water and sugar-white sand beaches that help tourists and locals lose track of time. The temptations are even harder to resist, with beaches like Cotton Bayou and Orange Beach Waterfront Park bubbling with kayaking, boating, swimming, fishing, surfing, and sightseeing activities.

Join the fun or stroll along the beach to savor the picturesque coastal sights and sounds. On the side of history, the town hosts the Orange Beach History Museum, housing artifacts and memorabilia related to the area’s Native American and fishing heritage. For more relaxation and enjoyment, Orange Beach invites visitors to The Gulf, an outdoor waterfront restaurant offering mouth-watering seafood in a casual ambiance with great views.

Fort Payne

Fort Payne is a historic town in DeKalb County full of beauty. Positioned in the Cumberland Plateau region, with Lookout Mountain nearby and Big Wills Creek flowing along the city borders, this town is soaked in picturesque natural beauty. Catch stunning views of the mountain from an overlook at DeSoto State Park and capture unforgettable vistas of DeSoto Falls thundering down 104 feet amid a landscape of greenery.

More exciting things to do in the park include ziplining, fishing, and bird watching. Proceed to the Little River for kayaking, canoeing, boating, picnicking, and whitewater rafting adventures. Cool off from the outdoor adventures with a meal at Woody’s and some entertainment at Fort Payne Opera House, representing Alabama’s oldest theater still in use. Before heading out of town, discover railroad history at Fort Payne Depot Museum, while country music aficionados can satisfy their curiosity at the Alabama Fan Club and Museum.

These beautiful small towns in Alabama, where the scenery is bewitching and vibes among locals are welcoming, are worth visiting in 2024. Each town unravels a unique side to the state and region, ranging from historic charms to cultural values and culinary indulgences. The outdoors is even more stunning, with smooth-flowing rivers, gorgeous lakes, waterfalls, creeks, and lush, dense forests to explore. There are plenty of things to do, see, and eat once in these towns. Even history enthusiasts have a fair share of attractions to enjoy, proving there is something for everyone in these towns in Alabama.