Alabama Senate Advances Bill to Increase Penalties for Terrorist Threats

Measure would elevate certain offenses to Class B felonies and mandate one-year school suspensions for credible threats.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee has passed a bill that would increase penalties for making terrorist threats in the state. Under the proposed legislation, a first-degree terrorist threat offense would be elevated to a Class B felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine. The bill would also require school principals to immediately notify law enforcement if a student makes a terrorist threat and mandate a one-year suspension for any student charged with such an offense.

Why it matters

The bill is aimed at cracking down on terrorist threats in Alabama, which lawmakers say pose a serious risk to public safety. By increasing penalties and imposing strict school discipline measures, the legislation seeks to deter individuals from making credible threats of violence.

The details

Under the proposed law, a person would commit a terrorist threat in the second degree by threatening violence against another person or property, causing fear or harm. A first-degree offense would require the threat to be considered credible, defined as a "knowing and willful statement or course of conduct" that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. The bill would also require restitution payments from students convicted of making terrorist threats to cover costs incurred by law enforcement, emergency services, and schools.

  • The Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee passed the bill on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Senator Matt Woods

The Republican state senator from Anniston who introduced House Bill 7 to increase penalties for terrorist threats.

Senator Rodger Smitherman

The Democratic state senator from Birmingham who offered an amendment to the bill to ensure due process rights for students with disabilities.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to make threats that put our communities at risk.”

— Senator Matt Woods, Bill Sponsor (alreporter.com)

“This amendment will help protect the rights of all students, including those with special needs, who may face prosecution under this law.”

— Senator Rodger Smitherman, Amendment Sponsor (alreporter.com)

What’s next

The bill will now move to the full Alabama Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation represents Alabama's effort to take a tougher stance on terrorist threats, with harsher penalties and strict school discipline measures aimed at deterring such behavior and enhancing public safety across the state.