Alabama Senate has passed Governor Robert Bentley's $800m bill to construct four prisons in the state.
At present, Alabama prisons have about 24,000 inmates in facilities originally designed for about 13,000. The bill calls for closing 13 of the 15 men's prisons and Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women. The state would build three new men's prisons accommodating 4,000 inmates each, and a new one for women with 1,200 beds. Replacing the old prisons will add about 3,000 beds.
The state will borrow the money for construction.
Governor Robert Bentley said: "I commend the Senate for taking a bold and decisive step toward prioritizing public safety in our prison system with the construction of four new prisons.
"The passage of this bill will help reduce overcrowding and will provide safer conditions for corrections officers as well as inmates within the facilities.
"New facilities will also create greater opportunities to reduce the risk of recidivism."