A constitutional amendment that would give Alabama judges broader authority to deny bail to defendants charged with serious violent crimes has cleared the state Senate, sending the measure back to the House for final consideration.
The bill, known as Aniah’s Law, was sponsored by Rep. Chip Brown of Mobile. The Senate approved an amended version Tuesday night, meaning the House must now weigh in on the changes before the legislation can advance to the governor’s desk.
Named for a Young Victim
The proposed amendment is named after Aniah Blanchard, a 19-year-old Auburn University student who was kidnapped and killed in 2019. The man charged in her murder had been free on bond at the time of the crime despite facing multiple prior felony charges, including kidnapping and attempted murder.
Blanchard’s case drew national attention and sparked a push among Alabama lawmakers to close what critics called a revolving door that allowed dangerous offenders to return to the streets while awaiting trial.
What the Bill Would Do
If ultimately approved by voters, Aniah’s Law would amend the Alabama Constitution to expand the list of offenses for which judges may deny bail. Currently, the state constitution guarantees bail in most cases except capital murder. The amendment would add charges such as murder, kidnapping, rape, robbery, and other violent felonies to the list of offenses where judges could hold defendants without bond.
Legislative History
The bill had strong bipartisan momentum heading into 2020. It passed the Alabama House unanimously and cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the legislative session and stalled its progress.
Because the measure is a constitutional amendment, it cannot take effect through the legislative process alone. If both chambers approve the final version, the amendment will be placed on a statewide ballot, likely in 2022, for voters to decide.
Brown and other supporters have expressed confidence that Alabama residents broadly support giving judges more tools to keep violent offenders behind bars while their cases move through the court system.