A new law adding heightened penalties for threats against schools is now in effect statewide.
The 2026 bill was sponsored by State Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville), who carried it after former State Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper) moved to the upper chamber.
Before the new law, making a terrorist threat in the first degree was considered a Class C felony, and a Class A misdemeanor in the second degree.
The law, which went into effect on July 1, increased the penalty for first-degree terrorist threats to a Class B felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine, and upcharged second-degree terrorist threats to a Class D felony if prior offenses have occurred.
The new law also defines “credible threat” as: “A knowing and willful statement or course of conduct, which, based on the totality of the circumstances, would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of another."
In instances where a school receives a “credible threat,” a principal is now required by law to contact law enforcement.
Woods began championing the bill in early 2025, after a wave of school threats plagued the state the previous year.
RELATED: State Rep. Matt Woods: School threats are a serious matter and should be treated as such
In late 2024, police across the state arrested well over a dozen juveniles for making online or in-person threats to multiple schools.
The trend began in the River Region. It started with an online threat that caused an abrupt halt to a varsity football game. The trend spread like wildfire across the state, reaching several schools in Montgomery, Elmore, Etowah and Autauga Counties.
SEE ALSO: Six juveniles arrested since Sunday over online terroristic threats made to River Region schools
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
