HB7 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

James LomaxRepresentative

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 defines credible threats and tightens penalties for making terrorist threats in the first and second degrees, with school suspensions, readmission rules, and restitution requirements.

What This Bill Does

The bill updates Alabama law to define credible threats and to revise the elements and penalties for making a terrorist threat in the first and second degrees. It requires public school principals to notify law enforcement immediately when a student’s conduct could lead to a terrorist-threat charge. It sets a minimum one-year suspension for students charged with either degree, lays out readmission conditions, and requires restitution if found guilty. It also adds a statewide safe-school policy with uniform discipline rules and allows restitution claims up to $10,000 for costs related to such threats.

Who It Affects

• Students charged with making a terrorist threat (first or second degree) and their families, who face suspension, readmission rules, and potential restitution or expulsion.
• Public schools, school principals, and local boards of education, which must notify law enforcement, implement discipline plans, and enforce readmission and cost-recovery provisions.
• Law enforcement, prosecutors, and emergency services, which receive mandatory notifications and may recover costs through restitution.
• Property owners and institutions (including schools, churches, government buildings) that could be affected by threats and may be recipients of restitution for related costs.

Key Provisions

• Definition of credible threat and revised elements for making a terrorist threat in the first degree.
• First-degree terrorist threat: credible threat to commit violence or damage property with consequences such as evacuation or disruption; classified as a Class C felony.
• Second-degree terrorist threat: generally a Class A misdemeanor, but becomes a Class D felony if there is a prior conviction or a repeat offense within one year.
• Public school principal must immediately notify law enforcement when a terrorist-threat charge is possible.
• If charged with first or second degree, student must be suspended for at least one year; readmission requires disposition of charges, possible psychiatric evaluation, and meeting board conditions.
• If adjudicated or convicted, the student must be expelled and may owe restitution to law enforcement, EMS, the school district, and other parties.
• Restitution provisions cap total restitution at $10,000 and cover costs to property owners and investigative/prosecutorial agencies.
• Section 16-1-24.1 creates a statewide safe school and drug-free policy with uniform discipline standards and mandatory enforcement by local boards; discipline plans include parent involvement and cost-recovery mechanisms.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Apr 1, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes & Offenses