Montgomery, AL – Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday signed the Child Predator Death Penalty Act into law, establishing new penalties that make certain sexual crimes against children under the age of 12 eligible for the death penalty.
The measure, House Bill 41, was identified as one of the governor’s top priorities during the legislative session. The new law strengthens criminal penalties for individuals convicted of specific felony sexual crimes involving young children, including first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy and first-degree sexual assault. Under the legislation, those offenses will automatically be classified as capital crimes when committed against victims under 12.
“For too long, the most vulnerable of our society have lacked the most stringent legal protection from child predators,” Ivey said. “Through the Child Predator Death Penalty Act, Alabama now joins just a handful of states imposing the toughest penalty possible for child predators. Those who target the youngest among us for the vilest crimes will soon be met with the harshest punishment under the law.”
The Alabama Senate approved the bill by a vote of 33-1 after it passed the House earlier in the session. The legislation was sponsored by state Rep. Matt Simpson and state Sen. April Weaver.
Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a statement following the bill’s final passage, saying the law provides prosecutors and law enforcement with additional tools to pursue the most severe penalty available in cases involving severe crimes against children.
“Our children deserve to grow up safe, protected, and free from harm,” Marshall said. “This legislation provides law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools they need to pursue the ultimate penalty against those who commit the most depraved acts against children.”
Simpson said the law represents a significant step in addressing serious crimes against minors and ensuring the strongest possible punishment for those convicted of such offenses.
“With the signing of the Child Predator Death Penalty Act into law, Alabama has taken decisive action to ensure that the most horrific offenses committed against minors face the maximum punishment our legal system permits,” Simpson said.
Weaver said the legislation establishes a zero-tolerance approach toward crimes committed against children and thanked state leaders and lawmakers who supported the measure.
Supporters of the law pointed to several high-profile cases, including a 2025 investigation in Bibb County in which eight individuals were arrested and charged with offenses including rape, trafficking and sexual torture involving multiple children. Some victims in that case were reported to be as young as three years old.
The Child Predator Death Penalty Act is scheduled to take effect on Oct. 1, 2026.
