MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WKRG) — Next year, voters will have the chance to put Aniah’s Law into action following the Alabama Legislature’s approval of the bill, which honors a Homewood native who was kidnapped and killed in 2019.

The bill gives judges more discretion in denying bail to people charged with some of the most serious crimes. The bill is named after Aniah Blanchard, the Homewood teen who was kidnapped and murdered in 2019. Ibrahim Yazeed, who is charged with kidnapping and killing Blanchard, was out on bond from a previous kidnapping, robbery, and attempted murder case at the time of Blanchard’s disappearance.

Last week, the bill passed through the Senate, but there were some amendments, so it had to go back to the House to be voted on again. Rep. Chip Brown, who sponsored the bill, said the House concurred Thursday morning.

The bill now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey’s desk to be signed. From there, it will be placed on a statewide ballot to be voted on in 2022 as a constitutional amendment.

Lawmakers have been working for years to put legislation in place to stop the “revolving door” of crime.

“I’d like to commend Representative Chip Brown and Senator David Sessions for supporting us in the three-year effort to see this legislation passed. We thank the Blanchard family as well as the entire Alabama Legislature for recognizing the need for this legislation that directly impacts the safety of Alabama citizens. It is now in the hands of Alabamians to vote in favor of this constitutional amendment on the ballot next year. Once passed, this will help significantly in our efforts to close the revolving door and prevent violent offenders from being released to commit more violent acts like the senseless murder of Aniah Blanchard.”

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson