HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The mayors of Alabama’s ten largest cities have issued a unified plea to voters, calling for an expansion of the state’s bail reform measures known as “Aniah’s Law” following a recent tragedy that exposed a gap in the legal system.
In a joint op-ed released this week, the coalition — known as the “Big 10” — urged Alabamians to support a constitutional amendment in the 2026 Primary Election that would add “attempted murder” to the list of offenses for which a judge can deny bond.
The Push for Change
Aniah’s Law, named in memory of Aniah Blanchard, currently allows judges to deny bail to violent offenders charged with specific crimes such as murder, kidnapping, and rape. However, the mayors argue that recent events have highlighted a dangerous loophole: under current law, judges cannot deny bond for attempted murder, regardless of the danger the suspect poses to the community.
The mayors cited a recent mass shooting where a suspect charged with attempted murder was released on bond because the judge’s “hands were tied” by existing statutes.
Local Leaders Speak Out
FOX54 reached out to the three northern Alabama mayors involved in the coalition regarding the joint statement. They provided comments emphasizing the urgency of this reform…