SB24 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator
Democrat
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Restoration of Voting Rights; Pardons and Paroles Board required to post application for individuals seeking restoration; board required to notify individuals and Secretary of State when voting rights restored
Summary: SB24 would create an online process to restore voting rights for certain convicted individuals and require public posting, notification, and re-registration steps by state agencies and local election offices.
What This Bill Does
It requires the Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) and the Secretary of State to jointly develop and publish online instructions and an electronic application for restoration of voting rights by September 1, 2026. The BPP would post the names of people whose rights have been restored and share restoration dates and addresses with the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State would notify the individuals and the county registrars, who would then add the names to poll lists and inform the individuals of when they can vote. The act becomes effective October 1, 2026, and the BPP may adopt rules to implement the changes.

Who It Affects
Individuals in Alabama who have lost their right to vote due to a conviction, who could have their rights restored through the process described (online application and review).
State and local election administration entities (Board of Pardons and Paroles, Secretary of State, and county boards of registrars) responsible for implementing the online process, notifying individuals, and re-registering eligible voters.

Key Provisions
Adds Section 17-3-31.1 establishing an online restoration process; joint development by BPP and Secretary of State; publication on agency websites; an electronic application form that serves as an application for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote.
Form automatically submitted to the Board of Pardons and Paroles for review under 15-22-36.1(c).
BPP to post the name and last registration county (or last known residence for never-registered individuals) of those restored; provide addresses and restoration date to the Secretary of State.
Secretary of State to notify the individual and county registrar; registrars to add the person to the poll list and inform of eligibility; restoration does not apply to someone who has rights restored but never registered previously.
Act becomes effective October 1, 2026; BPP may adopt rules to implement.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Elections, Voting, & Campaigns