The 2026 Legislative Session is upon us, and we’re here to do the People’s Work in the People’s House. So,this year in the legislature, we are fighting for bold policy around the issues Alabamians care about most.
Here are our legislative priorities for 2026:
- Defending the Right to Vote
- Fighting for Criminal Legal Reform
- Protecting First Amendment Rights
- Ensuring Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice
We know all these issues intersect and affect all Alabamians. That's why, as we head into another year defending Alabamians’ rights and pushing legislation that helps our communities thrive, we need you with us. As the great Maya Angelou said, “no one of us can be free until everybody is free.” Make sure to check out our Lege Action Hub for our bill tracker, policy positions, and resources to engage with your lawmaker. We also hope you join us for our community teach-in, Werk The Lege, on Saturday, January 24th in Montgomery. We can’t– nor do we want to– do this work without you.
Defending the Right to Vote
Voting is a free expression of speech and must be protected. Ensuring access to voting allows us to protect our futures and communities collectively. We are asking lawmakers to prioritize these reforms and protections, especially ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. With one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the country, Alabama is in need of reforms to encourage eligible voters to cast their ballot, not block them from doing so.
We need
- to put democracy in the hands of the people by passing legislation that allows Alabamians to propose ballot initiatives.
- to expand assistance for absentee ballot voters in the military by passing the Overseas Absentee Voting Act.
- support for formerly incarcerated people regaining their right to vote.
- early voting in Alabama.
We reject
- barriers to voting that have no proven connection to election security.
- legislation that limits access to the ballot for voter that are blind, disabled, and unable to read or write.
Fighting For Criminal Legal Reform
Alabama’s deadly prison system is hurting all Alabamians. The State has the most people on death row per capita and the highest parole denial rates in the country. Incarcerated Alabamians are suffering in overcrowded and inhumane conditions in ADOC facilities while lawmakers have not provided viable solutions to keep ALL Alabamians safe. It’s time to let people come home.
We need
- reform that focuses on rehabilitation and restoration that supports public safety, instead of increasing the number of people in prison.
- to hold the Alabama Department of Corrections accountable and keep pressure on the Pardons and Paroles Board.
- to end the death penalty.
We reject
- legislation that criminalizes Alabamians for constitutionally protected behavior.
- legislation that creates harsher penalties for people (regardless of immigration status) and exacerbates Alabama’s overcrowded prisons.
Protecting First Amendment Rights
Challenges to the First Amendment rights of Alabamians have come in many forms, including limitations on people’s right to peacefully assemble, attempts to restrict Alabamians' gender expression in public spaces, and consistent efforts to restrict Alabama educators and students from learning and sharing on topics related to race and gender. Policymakers have even imposed restrictions on the curriculum, limiting topics that educators can address in the classroom. These measures undermine academic freedom, limit access to diverse perspectives, and deny students a complete education about the world they will inhabit. We will oppose any legislation that seeks to silence and criminalize the exercise of any person’s First Amendment rights.
We need
- to defend teachers’ and students’ rights to learn and share.
- to protect libraries as beacons of free speech and ideas and protect librarians from criminalization.
- equity for all Alabamians, free from discrimination and censorship.
We reject
- legislation that obstructs Alabamians from peacefully assembling or freedom of speech.
- legislation that attempts to chill free expression and free speech.
Ensuring Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice
In 2025, you helped us achieve a major win for maternal healthcare–the passage of SB102, which expands Medicaid eligibility for pregnant Alabamians. But with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, there is still work to be done to keep Alabama families healthy. For us, that means making sure every Alabama family has a chance to thrive– no matter where they are on their reproductive journey. We are committed to protecting the constitutional right Alabamians have to make personal healthcare decisions for themselves; from protecting IVF to fighting for abortion access.
We need
- to protect and expand access to IVF and contraception.
- medical screening and support for mothers experiencing postpartum depression and mental health challenges.
- support for midwives and birthing centers to expand maternal healthcare.
- legislation to support pregnant Alabamians caught in the legal system.
We reject
- politicians refusing to prioritize maternal health
- politicians making decisions that should be left to people and their trusted medical providers.
- Legislation that restricts abortion access, including medication or out-of-state travel.
The ACLU of Alabama is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting and strengthening the civil rights and liberties of all Alabamians. Whether we challenge bad policies in court, lobby lawmakers in the State House, or hold rallies with you– we know it’s the people of Alabama who have the power. We’re here to be with you as you use your voice and advocate for policies this legislative session that reflect our shared values. This is about our lives, our future, and our democracy. Join us.