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HB 486

Elections; voting rights restoration process revised; Alabama Voting Rights Act Commission established to prevent discrimination in voting; duties and membership provided; Secretary of State required to establish database on election administration

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adline Clarke

Alabama establishes voting rights commission and election administration database to restore voting rights and prevent electoral discrimination across the state.

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin
#elections
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Bill Summary · HB 486

Legislative bill overview

HB 486 establishes the Alabama Voting Rights Act Commission to oversee voting rights restoration and prevent discrimination in election administration. The bill requires the Secretary of State to create a comprehensive database tracking election administration practices across the state. The measure revises Alabama's existing voting rights restoration process to address potential gaps in current procedures.

Why is this important

Voting rights restoration and election administration transparency directly affect citizens' ability to participate in elections and the integrity of electoral systems. A dedicated commission and centralized database could identify and address systemic barriers to voting, particularly for individuals with prior felony convictions seeking to restore voting eligibility. This legislation responds to documented disparities in how voting rights are administered across different Alabama counties.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of authority: Unclear whether the commission will have enforcement power or merely advisory capacity, which determines its practical effectiveness
  • Felony disenfranchisement standards: Disagreement likely over which offenses trigger voting rights loss and restoration criteria, reflecting broader debates about criminal justice policy
  • Database transparency and privacy: Balancing public access to election administration data against concerns about voter privacy and potential misuse of voter information
  • Cost and implementation: Resource requirements for establishing commission infrastructure and statewide database in multiple counties with varying systems

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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