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Alabama House passes act making violent crimes against children eligible for death penalty
The bill passed 73-6 with 17 abstentions and aims to protect children amid trafficking concerns, despite opposition over constitutional and financial challenges, legislators said.
- On Tuesday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed House Bill 41, amending the criminal code to allow the death penalty for first-degree rape, sodomy, and sexual torture of victims under the age of 12.
- After reports from Bibb County, law enforcement renewed efforts and the Alabama House had passed the same bill last year but the Senate did not; Sen. April Weaver sponsors the bill amid a trend with five states since 2023.
- The House approved the measure by recorded vote of 73-6 with 17 abstentions, Rep. Ontario Tillman's `not friendly` amendment for life without parole failed 75-26, and the bill allows death or life without parole.
- HB41 now moves to the Alabama Senate for review later this week and is sponsored by Sen. April Weaver; opponents warned taxpayers would bear federal court defense costs if enacted.
- Critics counter that the proposal conflicts with the 2008 Supreme Court precedent and is `cruel`, with Rep. Chris England warning it may discourage child victims and family-related cases from coming forward.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left0Leaning Right2Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution78% Center
Bias Distribution
- 78% of the sources are Center
78% Center
C 78%
R 22%
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