HB7 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matt WoodsSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Crimes and offenses, credible threat defined; penalties for crimes of making a terrorist threat in the first or second degree provided further for; principal to immediately contact law enforcement of terrorist threat, suspension of student, readmittance, and restitution provided

Summary

HB7 would redefine credible threats, raise penalties for first- and second-degree terrorist threats, and impose stricter school discipline and restitution requirements when such threats occur.

What This Bill Does

It redefines credible threats and updates the elements of making a terrorist threat in the first and second degrees, increasing the penalties for these crimes. Public K-12 schools would be required to notify law enforcement immediately when a student's conduct could lead to charges of making a terrorist threat in the first or second degree, and the student would face an immediate minimum one-year suspension; readmission would be allowed only after specified conditions are met. The bill adds a restitution requirement for those found guilty, covering costs to property owners, law enforcement, emergency services, and the school, with a cap of $10,000. It sets up a statewide safe-school and drug-free policy and requires districts to adopt uniform discipline plans and involve parents in disciplinary processes, with conditions for readmission.

Who It Affects

• Students in public K-12 or charter schools who are charged with making a terrorist threat (first or second degree) and their families/guardians, who would face suspensions, readmission requirements, and restitution if found guilty.
• Public schools, school districts, administrators (principals and boards), and law enforcement, who would enforce discipline policies, report threats, and handle restitution and related costs.

Key Provisions

• Defines credible threat and revises the elements for first- and second-degree terrorist threats, including what counts as a credible fear of harm, and associated weapon/violence criteria, with penalties increased accordingly.
• Establishes school discipline and restitution rules: requires immediate law enforcement notification for first/second-degree threats; imposes at least a one-year suspension for charged students; sets readmission conditions; and creates restitution obligations (capped at $10,000) payable to affected parties.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes & Offenses