The Alabama Senate passed HB41 in a 33-1 vote on Thursday, sending the Child Predator Death Penalty Act to Governor Kay Ivey, who has pledged to sign it into law. The bill passed the House earlier this session.

The legislation permits prosecutors to seek capital punishment in cases of first-degree rape or sodomy involving victims under the age of 12.

State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) sponsored the bill in the House and State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) carried it in the Senate.

“With passage of the Child Predator Death Penalty Act, we have notified those who prey upon the most defenseless Alabamians that they will be eligible for a non-stop trip straight to Hell departing from the death chamber at Holman prison,” Alabama Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) said after the bill’s passage.

The bill is a direct response to the horrific crimes revealed in Bibb County last year, where authorities discovered an underground bunker used for child sexual abuse. The case occurred in Weaver’s district.

Last summer, Simpson and Weaver announced they would pursue the legislation.

During her State of the State address, Governor Ivey called on lawmakers to pass the bill.

“Representative Matt Simpson and Senator April Weaver will carry a bill to impose the death penalty for those who rape or sodomize a child,” Ivey said. “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.”

Thursday was day ten of the 2026 state legislative session.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may email him at [email protected].