Lawmakers introduce 'Safe Alabama' package to strengthen law enforcement and tackle violent crime

Governor Kay Ivey and state lawmakers have introduced the “Safe Alabama” legislative package, a sweeping set of proposals aimed at curbing violent crime and providing law enforcement with stronger tools to prosecute offenders.

Unveiled alongside legislative leaders and law enforcement officials, the package includes tougher penalties for gun-related crimes, increased restrictions on firearm possession for felons, and an expansion of Aniah’s Law, which allows courts to deny bail to individuals accused of serious violent offenses.

“Public safety is my number one priority for this session,” Governor Ivey said. “All our priority areas from education to job creation all require safe communities, and working together, we will accomplish that for our citizens. A safe Alabama is a secure future for Alabama, and a secure future is our goal.”

Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger emphasized that the legislative package is a direct response to rising crime trends. “The public safety package being considered by the legislature during this 2025 regular session reverses those trends and combats the lack of respect for law and order that took firm root during the Biden-Harris Administration,” said Gudger (R-Cullman).

“Most importantly, it preserves the traditional morals conservative principles and deeply held Alabama values that so many of us embrace here in Alabama. Passage of the public safety package will ensure that an already great state becomes an even better state for its citizens to live, to work, to worship and raise families,” he added.

A key element of the package is a proposed statewide ban on “Glock switches,” devices that convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons. Law enforcement agencies across Alabama, particularly in cities like Birmingham, have identified these devices as a major factor contributing to the rise in deadly shootings.

“In Birmingham, we are laser-focused on improving public safety,” said Mayor Randall Woodfin. “We are working diligently with other mayors, the governor and our state legislators to make sure our police officers have more tools to reduce gun violence and protect our residents and businesses. We are particularly glad to have this unified voice calling for a statewide ban on conversion devices to help us get Glock switches off the street.”

State Rep. Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery) noted the bipartisan effort behind the legislation. “I’ve been fighting the last few years for this bill, and I’m grateful for the bipartisan support for it and the law enforcement support. It’s really been a team effort. I’ve said it over and over again, it’s not a Democrat or Republican issue — it is a human issue. So together with the Glock-switch bill, we can save lives by giving law enforcement another tool to help keep us safe here in Alabama.”

Additionally, the “Back the Blue” Act, introduced by Representative Rex Reynolds, seeks to provide stronger legal protections for police officers. This bill is designed to expand liability protections for law enforcement.

“Our legislation helps recruit new officers, shields them from bogus claims against them,” said Pro Tem Gudger. “It expands penalties to keep lawbreakers behind bars and combines global and state law enforcement agencies together in a coordinated effort to end violent crime in our cities, streets, and neighborhoods.”

I was proud to join Governor Ivey and dozens of Alabama’s LEOs this morning for a press conference celebrating the Safe Alabama Package.

This initiative sends a clear message that Alabama backs the blue and lawlessness will not be tolerated in our state. pic.twitter.com/OY9Csb3tU3

— Nathaniel Ledbetter (@RepLedbetter) February 12, 2025

The expansion of Aniah’s Law, named after Aniah Blanchard, a young woman abducted and murdered in 2019, is also a focal point of the legislative effort. Currently, the law allows judges to deny bail for individuals charged with violent crimes like murder and kidnapping. The new legislation seeks to broaden the list of offenses that qualify for pretrial detention.

“We are grateful to see legislative support for the ‘Safe Alabama’ slate of bills,” said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. “These bills will enhance public safety in Mobile and statewide by giving law enforcement and the courts more tools to hold violent criminals accountable for their actions. I applaud Gov. Ivey and the leadership in the House and Senate for their quick action on these needed reforms.”

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at [email protected].