Sen. Matt Woods prefiles HB7 to toughen Alabama’s school threat laws

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August 6, 2025

Recently elected State Senator Matt Woods (R-Jasper) is wasting no time advancing legislation aimed at protecting Alabama schools and public institutions. After winning a special election in June to represent Senate District 5, Woods quickly prefiled House Bill 7 (HB7), which would establish consistent statewide protocols for how school threats are reported and handled.

While serving in the Alabama House in 2025, prior to his election to the State Senate, Woods introduced a similar bill that passed the lower chamber but eventually stalled before reaching the Senate floor as the session concluded.

“We need our students and school employees focused on learning, not lockdowns,” Woods told Yellowhammer News. “Threats to schools and churches are serious and must be treated as such.”

Law enforcement notification required

Under HB7, school principals would be required to immediately alert law enforcement when any person makes a threat of violence that results in the disruption of activities at a school, church, or government entity. The bill is designed to ensure a prompt and uniform response to potential threats, regardless of the school district or jurisdiction.

This provision addresses concerns raised in recent years about inconsistent responses to threats, particularly those made online or outside regular school hours.

Mandatory suspension and evaluation for student offenders

If the person making the threat is a student, HB7 mandates a minimum one-year suspension from public school. Before being allowed to return, the student must undergo a psychiatric or psychological evaluation, along with appropriate counseling or other requirements set by the local board of education.

Tougher criminal penalties

HB7 also proposes stiffer penalties for individuals charged with making terrorist threats:

– First-degree terrorist threats would be upgraded from a Class C felony to a Class B felony.
– Second-degree threats would become a Class D felony in certain cases, such as repeat offenses. In other circumstances, the offense would remain a Class A misdemeanor.

These changes aim to deter repeat offenses and give prosecutors stronger tools when pursuing charges in cases that disrupt public safety and require emergency responses.

Building on past legislative efforts

HB7 mirrors much of the content from HB356, which Woods introduced during the 2025 session. That bill included definitions for “credible threat,” procedures for restitution, and provisions to cover “shelter in place” disruptions. While HB7 focuses on enforcement and school response, further action during the 2026 session may revisit those additional measures.

The 2026 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature convenes in January.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].