Alabama Strengthens Penalties for School Threats

New law increases criminal charges for terroristic threats against schools and other public facilities

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:35am

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a school building in motion, with overlapping geometric shapes and waves of deep blue, purple, and red colors, conveying a sense of disruption and urgency around the issue of school threats.A new Alabama law aims to crack down on threats against schools and other public facilities, reflecting growing concerns over campus safety.Montgomery Today

Governor Kay Ivey has signed House Bill 7 into law, increasing criminal penalties for individuals who make terroristic threats in schools and other public spaces across Alabama. The legislation, sponsored by state Rep. James Lomax and carried in the Senate by state Sen. Matt Woods, comes amid growing concerns over threats targeting schools and public facilities.

Why it matters

The new law aims to better protect Alabama students and communities by strengthening penalties for those who make threats against schools, hospitals, and other public buildings. It sends a strong message that such disruptive and dangerous behavior will not be tolerated.

The details

Under the updated law, a person can be charged with a first-degree terrorist threat if they make a credible threat against a person or threaten damage to property. The law also expands protections to include hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities housing disabled or immobile individuals. The law also outlines strict consequences for students accused of making threats, including suspension, mental health evaluation, and potential expulsion.

  • House Bill 7 is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

The players

Governor Kay Ivey

The governor of Alabama who signed House Bill 7 into law.

Rep. James Lomax

The state representative who sponsored House Bill 7 in the Alabama House of Representatives.

Sen. Matt Woods

The state senator who carried House Bill 7 through the Alabama Senate.

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What they’re saying

“'If Alabama is to remain the best place to live, work and raise a family, we must ensure all of our classrooms are the safest environments for learning.'”

— Governor Kay Ivey

“'With school threats becoming a far too regular occurrence, protecting our children has never been more urgent. HB7 ensures that our laws keep pace with these challenges by strengthening penalties and removing disruptive threats from the classrooms. I am grateful to Governor Kay Ivey and my colleagues in the Legislature for their continued commitment to the safety of every Alabama student.'”

— Rep. James Lomax, State Representative

“'HB7 sends a clear message: Threats against our communities will not be tolerated. This legislation strengthens accountability and ensures every threat against our schools, churches, hospitals and government buildings is taken seriously. Our schools should be focused on learning – not lockdowns.'”

— Sen. Matt Woods, State Senator

What’s next

The new law will take effect on July 1, 2026, and school districts across Alabama will need to update their safety protocols and communicate the changes to students and parents.

The takeaway

This new law in Alabama represents a proactive step to address the growing issue of school threats and protect students, teachers, and communities. By strengthening penalties and expanding the scope of protected facilities, the state is sending a clear message that such disruptive and dangerous behavior will not be tolerated.