(WDNews) — Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday, according to a press release, signed the Child Predator Death Penalty Act into law, calling it one of her top priorities this legislative session.
According to the governor’s office, the new law strengthens criminal penalties for those convicted of certain felony sexual crimes against children. Under the measure, first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy and first-degree sexual assault involving victims under the age of 12 will automatically be classified as capital offenses, making them punishable by death.
“For too long, the most vulnerable of our society have lacked the most stringent legal protection from child predators,” Ivey said. “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 legislation was sponsored by state Rep. Matt Simpson and state Sen. April Weaver.
“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,” Simpson said. “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.”
Weaver added, “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. I want to thank Governor Ivey for her support, as well as my colleagues in the Legislature for protecting our most vulnerable citizens.”
The governor’s office pointed to a 2025 case in Bibb County in which eight individuals were arrested and charged with rape, trafficking and sexual torture involving at least 10 children, some as young as three years old, as evidence of the need for stronger penalties.
The Child Predator Death Penalty Act is set to take effect Oct. 1, 2026.
