By Neal Wagner | Shelby County Reporter

Alabama Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, said he initially was reluctant to travel to New York City to record a clip for Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” from June 14-15.

“I was a little hesitant at first, because I didn’t want to do anything that would make the state of Alabama look bad,” Ward said during a June 22 phone interview. “But I really think this portrayed Alabama in a positive light.”

A few weeks ago, producers from The Daily Show contacted Ward, who represents part of Chilton County, and asked if he would be interested in traveling to New York to take part in a segment addressing private probation companies.

The invitation came as a result of Ward’s 2013 legislation seeking to place more regulations on private probation companies, such as Judicial Corrections Services, which has had contracts with multiple local municipalities.

The city of Clanton’s contract with JCS was the subject of a lawsuit filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center, alleging that the company’s practices amounted to a “racketeering” scheme.

The city was dropped from the lawsuit after terminating its contract with JCS.

JCS, which opened an office in Jemison, has also had contracts with the city of Jemison and the town of Thorsby.

Thorsby has terminated its contract with JCS.

During the 2013 Alabama legislative session, Ward introduced a bill aimed at placing tighter regulations on private probation companies, but the bill died in the House of Representatives at the end of the session.

If the bill would have passed, it would have formed a County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council to oversee private probation companies, and would have required private probation companies to submit quarterly reports to the council and district attorney. The bill also would have prohibited private probation companies from arresting individuals.

During The Daily Show interview, Ward talked about his bill, and talked about ways to handle private probation companies across the nation.

“I talked about what we can do to make them more accountable,” Ward said, noting the show covered all expenses for him to take the trip.

Ward said the segment was likely to air next week on the show, which comes on at 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday on Comedy Central.

“It was really unique. Their newsroom is like a fraternity house,” Ward said with a laugh. “I’m glad I had an opportunity to go on the show and talk about this issue.”