‘It means everything’: Mother of Aniah Blanchard praises Aniah’s Law expansion, but says there’s more work to do

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - The mother of Aniah Blanchard is praising the expansion of the law named after her daughter.

Aniah’s Law, which allows judges to deny bail for certain violent crimes, was expanded by a resounding statewide vote, building upon the original iteration of the law that included crimes like first-degree kidnapping, rape, and robbery.

On Tuesday, almost 82% of voters approved adding discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle or building and any solicitation or attempt to commit murder to the list.

The law was named for Aniah Blanchard because the man convicted of killing her in 2019 was released on bond for a previous violent offense at the time of Blanchard’s murder.

Aniah’s family has since found solace that the law named after their loved one has not only passed but has been expanded.

“It means everything to our family,” Aniah’s mother, Angela Harris, said. “We can’t have her back, but through her fight she is saving so many lives and that is the most amazing thing anyone could do.”

While Harris is pleased with the expansion, she says the work isn’t done and hopes to see the law expanded more in the future.

“There are some violent crimes such as sexual assault crimes that need to be added into the law, and I can’t wait to get that done as a former pediatric sexual assault nurse and a victim myself,” Harris said. “Those crimes are not treated as harshly as they should be.”

Harris says moving forward, she will advocate for a federal passage of Aniah’s Law and will continue to advocate for prison reform and victims’ rights.

The expansion was supported publicly by Alabama’s Big 10 Mayors, who released a joint statement following the vote.

“The people of Alabama sent a clear message that violent criminals should not be automatically returned to our streets while awaiting trial.”

“This constitutional amendment gives judges the tools they need to better protect innocent families and prevent dangerous offenders from committing additional crimes. Aniah’s Law is about protecting victims, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring our justice system has the flexibility to keep repeat violent offenders behind bars when necessary.”

“We are grateful to Alabama voters for recognizing the importance of this measure and for standing with communities across our state. The passage of this Aniah’s Law expansion represents a meaningful victory for public safety in Alabama.”

“Today, Alabama took an important step toward making our neighborhoods safer for everyone.”

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