The Alabama House of Representatives has passed legislation that would allow the death penalty as a sentencing option for certain child sex abuse crimes, sending the measure to the Senate for further consideration.
House Bill 41 applies to defendants convicted of rape, sodomy, or sexual torture involving a child under the age of 12.
Supporters of the bill, including sponsor Matt Simpson, argue that harsher penalties are necessary to deter offenders and protect children.
“Every day that we can’t punish those people, more and more of this stuff will occur,” Simpson said during debate.
Opponents raised concerns about the bill’s constitutionality, pointing to past U.S. Supreme Court rulings that limit the use of the death penalty to murder cases. Lawmakers also questioned whether the measure could unintentionally discourage victims—particularly in family-related cases—from coming forward.
Chris England said the bill could place an additional emotional burden on victims.
“Making the victim carry forth that burden to not only suffer from that abuse but also participate in the decision of whether or not that person lives or dies could ultimately discourage them from participating in the first place,” England said.
During debate, lawmakers rejected an amendment that would have replaced the death penalty provision with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
House Bill 41 now moves to the Alabama Senate, where it is expected to be taken up later this week.
UPDATED @ 07:11 AM Enterprise Police have reported this missing child ws located around 01:00 AM. Child is SAFE. THANK YOU to the ore than 100 people who braved the cold searching for this child.
ENTERPRISE-COFFEE COUNTY: 4:00 PM ALL HANDS ON DECK search has been underway in Enterprise-Coffee County for a 9 year old that has been missing. The 9 year old never got off the bus.
The missing child is described as 9 years of age, dark hair, black and red backpack, black jacket, gray pants, He was last seen at school and never got off the bus
At 11:15 PM Enterprise Police Chief Michael Moore and members of Enterprise Police Department, Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd and members of Coffee County Sheriff Department, Enterprise Fire Department, Enterprise Rescue, New Brockton Fire Chief/Enterprise Rescue Arnold Woodham, Coffee County Emergency Management Director Grant Lyons and members of Coffee County Emergency Management, WASP ( Wiregrass Aviation Support Program) Air Units, Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum and members of Dale County Sheriff Department, members of Geneva County Sheriff Department and Geneva County Sheriff Tony Helms, Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza, members of Houston County Sheriff Department and Houston County Sheriff K-9. About 100 volunteers are searching for this child. Probably missing some agencies, but multiple agencies and volunteers are searching.
Current temperature 34 degrees.
The residential area is 319 County Road 750.
Anyone with any information contact your local law enforcement.
A former Florida state prison correctional officer has been found guilty of accepting money to smuggle contraband to inmates, according to Washington County court records.
According to State Attorney’s Office, Tina Wallace was convicted Thursday following a jury trial in Chipley.
Prosecutors said Wallace was found guilty on five counts of unlawful compensation for official behavior and five counts of unlawful use of a two-way communications device. The charges stem from allegations that Wallace accepted money in exchange for bringing prohibited items into a state prison.
No additional details regarding the contraband or sentencing timeline were immediately released. Wallace is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date.
A six-minute recorded phone call between Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales reveals a heated exchange marked by accusations, political threats, and long-standing personal tension between the two elected officials.
The call, recorded in October and recently obtained by AL.com, offers a rare glimpse into behind-the-scenes political conflict in Birmingham. During the conversation, Woodfin is heard threatening to endorse and actively campaign for a challenger against Scales in her upcoming county commission race.
According to the report, Woodfin initiated the call and accused Scales of spreading political rumors about him. The discussion quickly escalated, reflecting what sources describe as years of strained relations between the veteran leaders.
Woodfin, who was re-elected last year after defeating Scales and seven other challengers in the mayoral race, expressed frustration over what he characterized as ongoing attacks on his leadership and credibility.
Neither Woodfin nor Scales has publicly commented in detail on the contents of the recording as of publication.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office is aware of online chatter regarding Spring Break activities and wants to be clear:
There will be no “takeovers” in Bay County — not on our beaches, not on our roads, and not in our community.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office is fully staffed, fully prepared, and has ample jail capacity. Anyone arriving with the intent to cause disruption or test the limits should understand enforcement will be swift and decisive.
Visitors planning to enjoy Spring Break responsibly are welcome. Those planning chaos are urged to familiarize themselves with new county ordinances that will be enforced during High Impact Periods (HIP).
🚫 NEW COUNTY ORDINANCES – HIGH IMPACT PERIODS (HIP)
Alcohol Establishments & Minors
No one under 18 is allowed inside establishments selling alcohol for on-premises consumption between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM in HIP areas.
Businesses may not permit minors to remain on site during those hours.
Beach & Public Area Restrictions
Beaches, access points, parks, parking areas, and rights-of-way may be closed or restricted to prevent dangerous overcrowding.
Areas may be immediately cordoned off when public safety is at risk.
Nighttime Curfew for Minors
A temporary curfew for unaccompanied minors may be imposed during HIP.
Curfew hours: 8:00 PM – 5:00 AM
Violations may result in a second-degree misdemeanor.
Curfew exceptions include:
Being accompanied by a parent/guardian or approved adult (21+, max two minors)
Traveling to or from work
Attending school, religious, civic, or permitted events
Medical emergencies
Being immediately outside the minor’s residence or an adjacent neighbor’s residence with consent
Parental Responsibility
Parents or guardians may be held accountable for knowingly allowing curfew violations.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals may not be rented or leased to anyone under 21 years of age.
📢 BOTTOM LINE
Enjoy the beach. Follow the rules. Respect the community.
If your Spring Break plans include disorder, disruption, or defiance, save yourself the trip. Bay County is ready, and enforcement will be firm.
Additional information regarding High Impact Periods and designated special event areas will be released as Spring Break approaches.
