In response to horrific child sex abuse cases recently discovered in Bibb County, State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) and State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) will unveil legislation to extend the death penalty to child rapists at a press conference on Thursday.
Similar legislation filed by Simpson overwhelmingly passed the House in the 2025 session but died in the Senate without a vote.
The bill would’ve required that a person 18 or older convicted of rape in the first degree or sodomy in the first degree, when the victim is under 12, be given a death sentence or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. If the offender is under 18, the sentence is life imprisonment without parole or life.
Under a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, the death penalty is currently applicable only in cases involving the loss of life — such as murder, robbery in which an individual is killed, and others — but Simpson and Weaver are confident that passing their law in Alabama will force the court to reconsider its precedent. Florida and Tennessee have recently enacted similar laws in their states.
A news conference to announce the legislation will take place in the third floor briefing room of the Alabama State House on Thursday.
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.
