Gov. Kay Ivey is calling upon Alabamians to ratify Aniah’s Law, which will appear on the Nov. 8 general election ballot as Amendment One.
Sponsored by State Rep. Chip Brown (R-Mobile) and passed by the Legislature last year, the law would provide judges broader discretion in requesting and denying bail to those accused of committing violent crimes.
The law is named after Aniah Blanchard, a 19-year-old college student who was murdered by a man released on bond. Blanchard’s murderer had committed several violent offenses including kidnapping and attempted murder prior to her death.
In a Thursday statement, Ivey asserted that Blanchard’s murder brought to light “flaws in the judicial system.”
“Three years ago this week, the nation watched as Alabama learned the beginnings of an unjust tragedy that never should have taken place,” said Ivey. “While we prayed for a different outcome, Aniah Blanchard’s untimely death revealed flaws in the judicial system.”
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Ratifying the amendment into the state constitution would honor Blanchard’s memory and “help save lives across the state,” according to Ivey.
“It is past time we fix those issues, but because of the unwavering dedication of Aniah’s family and the unanimous support by the Alabama Legislature, Amendment One, also known as Aniah’s Law, will be on the ballot this November,” said the governor. “I encourage every Alabamian to join me in voting yes on Aniah’s Law to ensure no family would have to go through the pain of preventable tragedy.
“Public safety is a top priority, and Aniah’s Law won’t just bolster public safety, but also, honor and allow for Aniah to redefine Alabama’s judicial system to help save lives across the state.”
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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