Montgomery, AL – As Alabama lawmakers convene for the start of the new legislative session this week, Kay Ivey is calling for the swift passage of the Child Predator Death Penalty Act, emphasizing child safety as a top priority for the state.
Governor Ivey highlighted the legislation during her State of the State address Tuesday evening, urging lawmakers to act quickly.
“When it comes to safeguarding our state there is no higher priority than protecting Alabama’s children,” Ivey said. “The passage of the Child Predator Death Penalty Act will provide the strongest legal shield possible for the most vulnerable of our society, our children. Their precious lives, and Alabama’s future, depend upon their preservation and we must not let them down. I call on lawmakers to pass this urgently needed legislation as soon as possible so I can sign it into law.”
The Child Predator Death Penalty Act, introduced as HB41 and SB17, is sponsored by Matt Simpson and April Weaver. The legislation would increase criminal penalties for individuals convicted of felony sexual crimes against children. Under the proposal, first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, and first-degree sexual assault involving victims under the age of 12 would be classified as capital offenses punishable by death.
Representative Simpson said the bill sends a clear message about accountability for crimes against children.
“I would like to thank Governor Ivey for her strong support of HB 41 and her continued commitment to public safety and protecting Alabama’s children,” Simpson said. “This legislation makes clear that the most heinous crimes against children will be met with the strongest penalties allowed under the law. Alabama will not tolerate crimes that permanently devastate the lives of its youth, and those who commit these terrible acts must be held accountable.”
Supporters of the legislation have pointed to a high-profile case from last year in Bibb County, where eight individuals were arrested and charged with rape, trafficking, and sexual torture involving at least 10 children. Authorities said some of the victims were as young as three years old.
“Our duty as a society should be to protect those who cannot protect themselves,” Senator Weaver said. “The Child Predator Death Penalty Act should serve as an effective deterrent, keeping children safe from the unthinkable acts of child predators. I want to thank Governor Ivey for her strong support for this much-needed legislation.”
If approved by both chambers of the Alabama Legislature and signed by the governor, the Child Predator Death Penalty Act would take effect on October 1, 2026.
