Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) — 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.
“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,” said Governor Ivey. “Terroristic threats made against our schools are meant to create fear among students and their parents and undermine security. The wellbeing of Alabama’s children must come first. Those who make such threats will be subject to the toughest penalties under the law.”
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.
“With school threats becoming a far too regular occurrence, protecting our children has never been more urgent,” said Rep. Lomax. “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.”
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.
“HB7 sends a clear message: Threats against our communities will not be tolerated,” said Sen. Woods. “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.”
The law also outlines strict consequences for students accused of making threats. Any student charged will be suspended pending a due process hearing and cannot return to school until all charges are resolved and a mental health evaluation is completed. Students found guilty will be expelled.
House Bill 7 is set to take effect July 1, 2026.
