In her final State of the State address, Governor Kay Ivey came out swinging on public safety.
Ivey formally announced her support for offering the death penalty to convicted child rapists and a new crackdown on criminals who run from police during her Tuesday night address on the first day of the 2026 legislative session.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the state of our state is strong, and our future is even stronger,” Ivey said.
“Last year, public safety was my number one priority. Together, we accomplished a great deal through my Safe Alabama package, but our work is never done when it comes to protecting our citizens.”
This year, Ivey endorsed a proposal that would exact justice for young, victimized Alabamians.
“Representative Matt Simpson and Senator April Weaver will carry a bill to impose the death penalty for those who rape or sodomize a child,” she explained. “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.”
“Government at all levels should always prioritize public safety. And we can thank the men and women in blue for enforcing our laws.”
In August, State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) and State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) pre-filed HB41, the ‘Child Predator Death Penalty Act’, for the 2026 legislative session.
The bill came 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.
Ivey also promoted a bill that is intended to crack down on repeat offenders.
“Unfortunately, some criminals attempt to elude their authority. There are repeat offenders and in the worst cases, there has even been loss of life,” she said.
“It is time we crack down on that reckless, criminal behavior and pass a bill led by Representative Reed Ingram and Senator Lance Bell. In Alabama, we enforce the law, and I look forward to this bill reaching my desk.”
Ivey pointed to legislation filed by State Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road) that would significantly stiffen penalties for suspects who flee from police.
HB37 proposes to require judges, upon the perpetrator’s conviction, to impose a minimum of 60 days confinement, in addition to the existing driver’s license suspension requirement.
The governor also spoke on cracking down on crime in Montgomery and pay raises for some law enforcement officers.
“We supported President Trump’s mission to Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Again by deploying more than 400 Alabama National Guardsmen,” she said.
“And here at home in Montgomery, I directed the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to increase trooper presence. Between our specialized Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit and this larger law enforcement footprint, we are adding to our efforts in Montgomery.”
“Our state troopers deserve our thanks,” she added. “That is why I am proud to propose a two percent pay raise for all our state employees like our troopers, mental health workers and those who protect our cybersecurity.”
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
