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

HB 486 revises Alabama's voting rights restoration process, automatically restoring voting rights for most individuals convicted of felonies after completing their sentences (excluding serious crimes like murder or rape), eliminating the need for separate applications. It removes current restrictions on absentee voting, allows all voters to cast absentee ballots, and adds a new advance voting period before elections with specific hours and dates. The bill also creates the Alabama Voting Rights Commission to review election actions that might discriminate against protected voter groups and requires preclearance for certain election-related decisions. Additionally, it mandates the Secretary of State maintain a public election database to improve administration transparency. These changes directly affect formerly incarcerated voters, all Alabama residents, and election officials.