Governor Ivey Signs Child
Predator Death Penalty Act into Law
2/12/26
Governor
Ivey signed the Child Predator Death Penalty Act into law, prioritizing the
strongest legal protection for Alabama's children from predators. The law,
sponsored by Rep. Matt Simpson and Sen. April Weaver, makes felony sexual
crimes against children under 12—such as first-degree rape, sodomy, and sexual
assault—capital offenses punishable by death. It was prompted by cases like the
2025 Bibb County arrests involving the abuse of children as young as three. The
law takes effect on October 1, 2026, signaling Alabama's zero-tolerance stance
against those who prey on children.
Original
Article
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Original
Article
Governor Ivey Signs Child
Predator Death Penalty Act into Law February 12, 2026 Press Releases Share
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey
on Thursday signed the Child Predator Death Penalty Act. One of
the governor’s top priorities this legislative session, the new law provides
the strongest legal protection for Alabama’s children from child predators.
“For too long, the most vulnerable of
our society have lacked the most stringent legal protection from child
predators,” said Governor Ivey. “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 Child Predator Death Penalty Act, sponsored by state Rep.
Matt Simpson and state Sen. April Weaver, strengthens Alabama’s criminal
penalties against those who are convicted
of felony sexual crimes against a child. Crimes of first-degree rape,
first-degree sodomy and first-degree sexual assault of victims under the age of 12 would
automatically become capital offenses punishable by death.
“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,” said Rep. Simpson. “This law sends a clear message that we will not
stand by while young lives are shattered. Those who commit such unspeakable
crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I am grateful to
Governor Ivey for her steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to keeping
our communities — and especially our children — safe.”
The need for stronger punishment of child predators in Alabama
was evidenced in 2025 after eight individuals were arrested and charged with
rape, trafficking and sexual torture of at least 10 children held captive in
Bibb County. Some of the victims were as young as three years old.
“With the signing of the Child Predator Death Penalty Act, we are
putting these sick individuals on notice that a cell on death row awaits them
if they abuse the most innocent and defenseless among us,” said Sen. Weaver.
“Alabama now has zero tolerance for those who prey on our children. I want to
thank Governor Ivey for her support, as well as my colleagues in the
Legislature for protecting our most vulnerable citizens.”
The Child Predator Death Penalty Act becomes effective on October
1, 2026.
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