Alabama gov signs law allowing death penalty for child predators

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has signed legislation to allow the death penalty for certain sexual crimes committed against young children, creating one of the strongest penalties in the country for such criminals.

The Child Predator Death Penalty Act makes first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy and first-degree sexual assault of a child under age 12 capital offenses punishable by death.

Ivey said the state must take stronger action to protect its youngest residents.

“For too long, the most vulnerable of our society have lacked the most stringent legal protection from child predators,” Ivey said in a statement. “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 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 of at least 10 children, some as young as 3. The case intensified calls for stricter penalties. 

State Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, who co-sponsored the bill with state Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield, said the law reflects the seriousness of the crimes.

“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 said the measure establishes zero tolerance for those who harm children.

“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,” Weaver said. “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.”

Alabama joins Florida, Tennessee, Idaho, Arkansas and Oklahoma in authorizing the death penalty for certain sexual crimes against children. The law takes effect Oct. 1.