MONTGOMERY — Members of the Alabama Senate passed the Child Predator Death Penalty Act on Thursday.
The bill sponsored by State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) and State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) makes certain sexual crimes against children under 12 capital offenses eligible for the death penalty.
“I believe there’s a special place in hell for people who do this to our children, and today we are one step closer to having a special place for them in Alabama, and that’s on death row in the death chamber at Holman,” Weaver told reporters on Thursday.
State Sen. Pro-Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) said, “With passage of the Child Predator Death Penalty Act, we have notified those who prey upon the most defenseless Alabamians that they will be eligible for a non-stop trip straight to Hell departing from the death chamber at Holman prison.”
“And by requiring app store age filters, we can shield our children from exposure to inappropriate content, which seems to become more common, accessible, and prevalent in our culture each day,” he added.
Attorney General Steve Marshall said, "I applaud the Alabama Legislature for passing HB41, the Child Predator Death Penalty Act, which sends the strongest possible message that our state will not tolerate crimes against our children, who are among our most vulnerable citizens. Our children deserve to grow up safe, protected, and free from harm.”
“This legislation provides law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools they need to pursue the ultimate penalty against those who commit the most depraved acts against children. I commend Representative Matt Simpson, Senator April Weaver, and all members of the Legislature who supported this critical measure. Alabama is leading the way in child protection, and this bill affirms that we will always stand on the side of our children,” he added.
The bill was approved by the House earlier this session and now goes to Governor Kay Ivey for her signature.
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