A bill to allow virtual participation in parole hearings in Alabama won approval in the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday morning.

The committee amended SB312 by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Montgomery, before approving it on a 10-2 vote.

Inmates under consideration for parole do not attend parole hearings in Alabama, which are held by the three-member parole board in Montgomery.

Barfoot’s bill, which passed the Senate last week without opposition, allows inmates the option to participate by videoconference, telephone conference, or similar means. Barfoot said it would be beneficial for inmates to have a chance to speak to the board directly and for the board to be able to ask inmates questions.

The committee added an amendment to allow victims, victims’ families and advocates, prosecutors, and others to also attend by video or teleconference.

Victim advocates, including Wanda Miller, executive director of Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL), and Darlene Hutchinson, chair of the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission, said they suggested the amendment. Overall, they oppose the bill and the changes it would make to parole hearings.

The committee approval moves the bill into position for consideration by the full House of Representatives. Rep. Jim Hill, R-Moody, the chairman of the committee, said he hoped to get a vote in the House next week. Three days remain in the legislative session after Thursday.

Read more: Battered woman shot her abuser 32 years ago. Alabama’s parole board won’t let her out.

This story will be updated.