The proposed amendment to Section 16 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022 seeks to expand the list of offenses for which a judge may deny bail. The amendment introduces new legal language that includes "any solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit murder" and "shooting or discharging a firearm, explosive, or other weapon into an occupied dwelling, building, railroad locomotive, railroad car, aircraft, automobile, truck, or watercraft" as offenses that could lead to bail denial. Additionally, the amendment removes the reference to "aggravated child abuse" from the list of offenses that allow for bail denial.

The amendment will be presented to voters during the statewide primary election in 2026, where they will have the opportunity to vote "Yes" or "No" on the proposed changes. If approved by a majority of qualified electors, the amendment will become part of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022. The bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring that excessive bail is not required in any case, while also addressing serious offenses that may warrant the denial of bail.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13A-5-40
Engrossed: 13A-5-40
Enrolled: 13A-5-40