Alabama Legislature passes Child Predator Death Penalty Act; Governor says she will sign

The Alabama Legislature passed HB 41, the Child Predator Death Penalty Act, on Thursday.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall released a statement after it passed.

"I applaud the Alabama Legislature for passing HB41, the Child Predator Death Penalty Act, which sends the strongest possible message that our state will not tolerate crimes against our children, who are among our most vulnerable citizens," Marshall said in the statement.

"Our children deserve to grow up safe, protected, and free from harm. 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.

"I commend Representative Matt Simpson, Senator April Weaver, and all members of the Legislature who supported this critical measure. Alabama is leading the way in child protection, and this bill affirms that we will always stand on the side of our children."

The House's overwhelming approval of the bill, 73-yes, 6-no, 17-abstain, was anticipated, given the strong support from Gov. Kay Ivey since its introduction.

The push for this legislation gained momentum following the child sex trafficking case in Bibb County last year, where eight individuals were convicted, and at least 10 children ages 3 to 15 years old were victimized.

Under current state law, the punishment for raping or sodomizing a child 5 years or younger is life in prison without parole. The new bill proposes that the death penalty could be the highest form of punishment if deemed necessary by a jury.

Governor Ivey posted that she looks forward to signing it into law.

Source: wvtm13.com, Taylor Lang, February 5, 2026

"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted."
— Oscar Wilde

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