On Tuesday, Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter praised the passage of a bill that will send “a clear message that we will always protect our children.”

That bill is the Child Predator Death Penalty Act, by State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne).

“Anyone who violates the innocence of a child represents the very worst of humanity and has no place in this world,” Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said.

“When we talk about crimes like rape, sodomy, or sexual torture of a child, we are talking about the worst of all possible crimes, and I fully believe those who commit them are more than deserving of the worst possible punishment. By passing this legislation, we are standing up for victims across our state and sending a clear message that we will always protect our children.”

In August, Simpson, along with State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) pre-filed HB41, the ‘Child Predator Death Penalty Act’, for the 2026 legislative session.

RELATED: Alabama GOP lawmakers file bill to give child predators the death penalty: ‘A top priority’

“As someone who has prosecuted dozens of these cases, I can say with certainty that the public rarely hears the full horror of what these victims endure,” Simpson said after the bill passed.

“Those who commit these crimes are monsters, and I firmly believe society is safer when they are held fully accountable. There is no question this legislation will face legal challenges, but I believe that standing up to protect Alabama’s children is always a fight worth fighting.”

The bill amends Alabama’s criminal code to make certain violent crimes against children – including first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, and sexual torture of victims under age 12 – eligible for the death penalty.

Governor Kay Ivey endorsed the measure during her State of the State address at the beginning of the session.

“I was proud to quickly offer my full and total support. Ladies and gentlemen, I am urging you to pass this legislation so I can sign it into law,” Ivey said.

“Government at all levels should always prioritize public safety. And we can thank the men and women in blue for enforcing our laws.”

It now heads to Senate. Today was day seven of the 2026 legislative session.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee