Ala. Code § 14-5-5: County Convicts - Authority to Work Generally; Lease to Persons, Firms or Corporations Prohibited; Working in and Around Public Buildings and Works.

Nothing in this article shall prevent any county of this state from working its county convicts according to the law as it now exists or may hereafter be enacted, but no county convict shall be worked in any coal mine or worked under lease to any person, firm or corporation; provided, however, that any county or counties shall have the authority to work such convicts retained by it in and around the courthouse, in and around the jail or any other public building or works of the county.