Montgomery, AL – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall commended Governor Kay Ivey for signing the Alabama Child Protection Act into law this week. The legislation, hailed as innovative and groundbreaking, significantly bolsters the state’s capacity to investigate and prosecute cases involving artificially generated child sexual abuse material.
Described as a pioneering initiative, the Alabama Child Protection Act positions the state at the forefront of combating online predators who target children. Sponsored by Representative Matt Woods (R-Jasper), House Bill 168 received unanimous support in the House in February. Senator April Weaver (R-Brierfield) championed the bill in the Senate, which also unanimously approved it in early April.
Attorney General Marshall lauded the passage of the law, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding children and holding perpetrators accountable. “It is great to see Alabama lead the nation on the important issue of AI-generated child sex abuse material,” Marshall stated. “This is an unequivocal declaration that the State of Alabama has zero tolerance for the possession and production of child sex abuse material, regardless of how it was created.”
Acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the legislation, Marshall expressed readiness to assist law enforcement and prosecutors across the state in implementing the new measures effectively. “Now the real work begins,” he affirmed. “My Office stands ready to help law enforcement and prosecutors around our state prepare to utilize this important new weapon in the fight against child exploitation.”
In extending gratitude to the bill’s sponsors and Governor Ivey, Marshall underscored their leadership and commitment to protecting Alabama’s children. “I am grateful to Representative Matt Woods and Senator April Weaver for their leadership on this issue, and to Governor Ivey for signing this bill into law,” he concluded.
The enactment of the Alabama Child Protection Act signifies a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat child exploitation and ensure the safety and well-being of its youngest residents.
