FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PROPOSED BILL APPLYING DEATH PENALTY TO CHILD ABUSERS AT THURSDAY NEWS CONFERENCE
In response to horrific child sex abuse cases recently reported in Alabama, Rep. Matt Simpson (R – Daphne) and Sen. April Weaver (R – Brierfield) will hold a joint State House news conference on Thursday to discuss their legislation that will extend the death penalty to those convicted of sexual assault on children.
Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade, who is currently overseeing the investigation of a sex trafficking ring involving children as young as three-years-old, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, and Alabama Sheriffs Association Executive Director Hoss Mack will participate in the news conference, as well.
Originally sponsored in the Alabama House during the 2025 regular session, the legislation allows prosecutors to request the death penalty for those convicted of raping or sodomizing children younger than 12-years-old.
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.
The news conference will take place in the third floor briefing room of the Alabama State House on Thursday, July 31, at 11 a.m.
What: News conference on legislation expanding death penalty to child sex abusers
When: Thursday, July 31, at 11 a.m.
Where: Third floor briefing room of the Alabama State House at 11 South Union Street in Montgomery.
