Alabama Enacts Tougher Law Against Child Predators

Governor signs Child Predator Death Penalty Act to impose maximum punishment

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed the Child Predator Death Penalty Act into law, providing the strongest legal protection against those who commit horrific crimes against minors. The new law sends a clear message that the state will not tolerate the abuse of children and that those who engage in such unspeakable acts will face the maximum punishment allowed.

Why it matters

The need for stronger punishment of child predators in Alabama was highlighted in 2025 after several individuals were arrested and charged with the rape, trafficking, and sexual torture of at least 10 children held captive in Bibb County, some as young as 3 years old. The new law aims to deter such crimes and protect the state's most vulnerable citizens.

The details

The Child Predator Death Penalty Act, one of Governor Ivey's top priorities this legislative session, will impose the death penalty on those convicted of the most egregious offenses against minors. Supporters of the law say it sends a clear message that Alabama has zero tolerance for those who prey on children.

  • The Child Predator Death Penalty Act will become effective on October 1, 2026.

The players

Kay Ivey

The Governor of Alabama who signed the Child Predator Death Penalty Act into law.

Mike Simpson

A state legislator who praised the new law for providing the strongest legal protection against those who commit horrific crimes against minors.

Terri Weaver

A state legislator who said the new law sends a clear message that Alabama has zero tolerance for those who prey on children.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Mike Simpson, State Legislator (selmatimesjournal.com)

“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. Alabama now has zero tolerance for those who prey on our children.”

— Terri Weaver, State Legislator (selmatimesjournal.com)

What’s next

The Child Predator Death Penalty Act will become effective on October 1, 2026.

The takeaway

This new law demonstrates Alabama's commitment to protecting its most vulnerable citizens and sending a strong message that the state will not tolerate the abuse of children. By imposing the death penalty on the most egregious offenders, the state hopes to deter such heinous crimes and ensure that those who commit them face the maximum punishment allowed.