State Rep. Matt Simpson and State Sen. April Weaver have officially pre-filed the ‘Child Predator Death Penalty Act’ for the 2026 legislative session, and they expect a speedy passage.

HB41 was introduced by Simpson (R-Daphne), and SB17 was simultaneously introduced by Weaver (R-Brierfield) to keep it high on the agenda when both chambers convene in January.

“Speaker Ledbetter and Pro Tem Gudger have assured us that quick passage of this legislation will be a top priority during the 2026 regular session,” Simpson and Weaver said in a joint statement.

“Once this bill is enacted and passes court muster, predators who abuse the most innocent among us will be eligible to receive the punishment they deserve – execution in Holman prison.”

In a Thursday media release, the lawmakers acknowledged the 2008 precedent set by the U.S. Supreme Court in Kennedy v. Louisiana, which held that capital punishment for any crime not involving the loss of life violates the protection against “unusual punishment” outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

However, Simpson and Weaver hope that Alabama’s joining the growing number of states with similar laws will prompt the Court to overturn that 5-4 decision and set a new precedent.

The bill comes on the heels of revelations that a child sex-trafficking ring, operated out of an underground bunker in Bibb County beginning as early as 2022, may have victimized at least 15 children ranging in age from 3 to 15 years old.

“Protecting Alabama’s children from harm is our most important responsibility as lawmakers, and you can tell from the overwhelming support for this bill that it is one we take seriously,” Alabama Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) said in a statement to Yellowhammer News. 

“Child predators are being put on notice that if they harm even one child in Alabama, they will soon be put to death and see what Satan looks like.”

Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter has communicated direct support for the proposal.

“As Speaker, I don’t usually sign on bills, but I did on this one to make clear that we’re not going to tolerate it,” Ledbetter, one of 52 House members cosponsoring the bill, told Yellowhammer News.

Several Alabama House Democrats took issue with the legislation when Simpson sponsored it during the 2025 legislative session, with some arguing that Republicans supporting the bill while claiming to be pro-life is hypocritical.

“I believe you have a right to life, but your actions can cause you to lose that right,” Simpson said in response at the time.

The 2026 legislative session begins on January 13.