Alabama voters overwhelmingly approved expanding Aniah’s Law during Tuesday’s primary election, giving judges broader authority to deny bond for additional violent offenses when defendants are considered a threat to the public.
Amendment 1 passed with roughly 82% support statewide and adds crimes such as attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and shooting into occupied buildings or vehicles to the list of offenses eligible for bond denial hearings.
The expansion followed renewed attention on Alabama’s bail laws after an attempted murder suspect charged in the 2025 downtown Montgomery mass shooting was released on bond because the offense was not covered under the existing law.
Supporters of the amendment said the expansion closes gaps in the original version of Aniah’s Law, which Alabama voters approved in 2022 following the kidnapping and killing of Aniah Blanchard. Calls to expand the law intensified after the October 2025 mass shooting in downtown Montgomery.
Following Tuesday’s vote, the Alabama Big 10 Mayors praised the amendment’s passage saying Alabama voters “sent a clear message that violent criminals should not be automatically returned to our streets while awaiting trial. This constitutional amendment gives judges the tools they need to better protect innocent families and prevent dangerous offenders from committing additional crimes,” the group said.
“The people of Alabama sent a clear message that violent criminals should not be automatically returned to our streets while awaiting trial,” the group said. “This constitutional amendment gives judges the tools they need to better protect innocent families and prevent dangerous offenders from committing additional crimes.”
The mayors also said cities across Alabama have worked alongside law enforcement officials, prosecutors, victims’ advocates and state leaders in support of strengthening Aniah’s Law, emphasizing that public safety remains a top priority for local governments.
“Aniah’s Law is about protecting victims, supporting law enforcement and ensuring our justice system has the flexibility to keep repeat violent offenders behind bars when necessary,” the statement continued. “We are grateful to Alabama voters for recognizing the importance of this measure and for standing with communities across our state.”
The group also thanked members of the Alabama Legislature, Governor Kay Ivey and advocates who worked to place the amendment before voters.
“The passage of this Aniah’s Law expansion represents a meaningful victory for public safety in Alabama,” the mayors said. “Today, Alabama took an important step toward making our neighborhoods safer for everyone.”
Tuesday’s ballot included two constitutional amendments, both of which passed comfortably after receiving overwhelming bipartisan support during the 2025 legislative session. Amendment 1 cleared the Alabama House 87-0 and Amendment 2 — addressing pay raises for elected district attorneys — passed the Legislature 101-0.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
