05 Jan What’s Coming for Alabama in 2026: Early Bills, Clear Threats, and the Fight for Democracy
In eight days, the Alabama Legislature will officially convene for the 2026 session. But the reality is this: the direction of the session is already taking shape.
Lawmakers have begun pre-filing bills that reveal what progress will be challenged, which communities will be targeted, and what kind of democracy some leaders are trying to reshape in Alabama. These bills are not neutral. They reflect values, priorities, and power plays that will define the year ahead.
At Alabama Values Progress, we believe people deserve clarity before the damage is done. That means naming what’s already on the table.
Bills That Threaten Democracy and Community Power
Several pre-filed bills signal a continued effort to restrict participation, consolidate power, and roll back civil and human rights.
One proposal, SB 21, would amend the Alabama Constitution to bar naturalized citizens from holding many state and local offices. This bill would exclude tens of thousands of Alabamians from full participation in public life, despite their citizenship and deep ties to this state. No other state has imposed such a sweeping restriction. This is not about governance. It’s about narrowing who gets to belong.
Another bill, SB 27, would allow lawmakers to take direct control of the Alabama Department of Archives and History by reshaping its governing board and making members removable at the pleasure of political leaders. This follows past attempts to interfere with historical preservation, particularly after the Archives refused political pressure to cancel programming that uplifted LGBTQ+ history. Control over history is control over narrative, and this bill is about silencing stories that challenge power.
Education is also under attack. SB 3 would dramatically restrict what students can learn about sexual health by mandating abstinence-only instruction and prohibiting education on contraception and reproductive health. This bill moves Alabama further away from evidence-based education and further into policy driven by ideology rather than student well-being.
On the democracy front, SB 23 would create special primary elections if courts require changes to legislative or congressional maps. While framed as procedural, this bill is clearly tied to ongoing efforts to undermine Voting Rights Act protections and weaken Black political power if courts continue to enforce fair representation.
Finally, multiple pre-filed bills seek to expand the use of the death penalty, including HB 20, which broadens the categories of capital-eligible cases. At the same time, Alabama continues to face national scrutiny for its execution practices and the use of nitrogen hypoxia. These bills reflect a continued prioritization of punishment over accountability, care, and justice.
Bills That Move Alabama Toward a More Inclusive Democracy
Not all pre-filed legislation moves in the same direction. A small but important set of bills point toward expanding participation and strengthening democratic engagement.
HB 14, known as the Alabama We the People Act, would create a process for citizens to directly propose laws and constitutional amendments through a petition process. Alabama is one of the few states without any form of citizen-initiated ballot measures. This bill would give everyday people a direct avenue to shape policy rather than relying solely on legislators to act.
Another pro-democracy measure, HB 45, would allow voters with disabilities to receive assistance with submitting absentee ballot applications. This bill responds directly to the harm caused by recent voting restrictions and affirms that accessibility is a core part of a functioning democracy, not a loophole.
There is also HB 76, which would allow Alabama voters to decide whether to abolish the death penalty through a constitutional amendment. While passage is far from guaranteed, the bill acknowledges a growing demand for accountability, transparency, and public input on one of the most serious powers the state holds.
Why Paying Attention Early Matters
Democracy is not only decided on Election Day. It is shaped in legislative chambers, committee rooms, and pre-filed bills long before most people are paying attention.
By the time harmful policies reach the public eye, they are often framed as inevitable or too far along to stop. That is by design.
Naming these bills now is about disrupting that pattern. It’s about refusing to let harmful ideas move quietly. It’s about giving communities the information they need to engage, organize, and respond before decisions are locked in.
What Alabama Values Progress Will Be Doing This Session
As the session unfolds, Alabama Values Progress will continue to track legislation, call out anti-democratic narratives, and provide political education rooted in history and lived experience. We will support partners, uplift community voices, and challenge policies that shrink democracy while advancing those that expand it.
The session hasn’t officially started yet. But the stakes are already clear. And we will be paying attention early, clearly, and together.
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