Alabama Governor Pushes for Tougher Penalties on Fleeing Police

Ivey backs legislation to increase felony charges and mandatory jail time for repeat offenders who attempt to elude law enforcement.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:37pm

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A cinematic painting of a solitary police car parked on a dimly lit city street, its red and blue lights reflecting off the wet pavement. The scene is bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, capturing a sense of quiet tension and the weight of law enforcement responsibility.As Alabama seeks tougher penalties for those who flee law enforcement, the somber mood of a lone patrol car on a shadowy urban street reflects the gravity of the issue.Montgomery Today

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is continuing her push for new legislation that would increase penalties for individuals who attempt to elude law enforcement. The proposed measures would elevate the base offense to a felony and impose stricter consequences, including mandatory jail time for repeat offenders, in cases involving heightened risk such as fleeing with children in the vehicle or striking police cars.

Why it matters

Ivey has identified public safety as a top priority, and this legislation is part of her broader efforts to crack down on reckless criminal behavior that endangers officers, motorists, and pedestrians. The governor is backing the bills as a way to deter dangerous high-speed chases and send a strong message that fleeing law enforcement will face serious consequences.

The details

Under current Alabama law, attempting to elude law enforcement is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor, with felony charges applied only under specific circumstances. The new legislation, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram and Sen. Lance Bell, would elevate the base offense to a felony and increase penalties in cases involving heightened risk, such as fleeing with children in the vehicle, striking law enforcement vehicles, or committing the offense while on pretrial release. The bills would also introduce mandatory jail time for repeat offenders.

  • Governor Ivey identified public safety as a top priority during her 2025 State of the State address.
  • The proposed legislation, House Bill 37 and Senate Bill 233, were introduced in the 2026 legislative session.

The players

Kay Ivey

The Governor of Alabama who is pushing for the passage of legislation to increase penalties for individuals who attempt to elude law enforcement.

Reed Ingram

The Alabama state representative who is sponsoring the House version of the bill to increase penalties for eluding law enforcement.

Lance Bell

The Alabama state senator who is sponsoring the Senate version of the bill to increase penalties for eluding law enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“Government at all levels should always prioritize public safety. And we can thank the men and women in blue for enforcing our laws. Unfortunately, some criminals attempt to elude their authority. There are repeat offenders and in the worst cases, there has even been loss of life. It is time we crack down on that reckless, criminal behavior and pass a bill led by Rep. Reed Ingram and Sen. Lance Bell.”

— Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama

“This legislation will not only crack down on reckless criminals trying to elude our law enforcement but also enhance the safety of Alabama's citizens by dissuading this careless criminal act.”

— Lance Bell, Alabama State Senator

“Fleeing from law enforcement is not a harmless mistake – it is a dangerous decision that puts officers and innocent families at serious risk. By elevating these offenses and establishing mandatory minimums for repeat violations, we are sending a clear message.”

— Reed Ingram, Alabama State Representative

What’s next

The proposed legislation, House Bill 37 and Senate Bill 233, will now move through the Alabama legislature for consideration and a potential vote.

The takeaway

This legislation is part of Governor Ivey's broader public safety agenda, which aims to crack down on reckless criminal behavior that endangers law enforcement, motorists, and pedestrians. By increasing penalties for eluding police, including mandatory jail time for repeat offenders, the state hopes to deter dangerous high-speed chases and send a strong message that such actions will face serious consequences.