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

SB 290 revises Alabama's voting rights restoration process by automatically restoring voting rights for most individuals with felony convictions (excluding murder, rape, or other serious offenses) upon completion of their sentence, eliminating the need for a separate application. It removes barriers to absentee voting, adds an advance voting period before elections with specified hours and dates, and establishes the Alabama Voting Rights Commission to review election actions that could discriminate against protected voter groups. The bill also requires the Secretary of State to maintain a statewide election database and publicize election-related information. These changes directly affect formerly incarcerated voters, election administrators, and protected voter classes.