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SB 31

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Woods

Alabama increases penalties for terrorist threats and requires school principals to immediately report them to law enforcement, with suspension and restitution provisions.

Currently Indefinitely Postponed
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Bill Summary · SB 31

Legislative bill overview

SB 31 increases criminal penalties for making terrorist threats (first and second degree) in Alabama and requires principals of schools to immediately contact law enforcement when such threats are made. The bill also establishes procedures for student suspension, readmittance conditions, and restitution requirements for damages caused by threats.

Why is this important

Terrorist threats in schools create significant disruption, trauma, and resource drain on law enforcement and educational institutions. This bill attempts to deter such threats through harsher penalties and create clearer procedural requirements for school administrators, potentially improving school safety response protocols and accountability.

Potential points of contention

  • Penalty severity: Increased criminal penalties may disproportionately affect juveniles or those making idle threats without genuine intent, raising concerns about proportionate punishment and criminal records for young people
  • Mandatory reporting ambiguity: The requirement for "immediate" law enforcement contact lacks clear definitions of what constitutes a "terrorist threat," potentially leading to over-reporting of minor incidents or under-reporting of gray-area situations
  • Restitution scope unclear: The bill doesn't specify what types of damages trigger restitution or how amounts are determined, creating potential disputes between families, schools, and perpetrators
  • Readmittance conditions unspecified: The bill doesn't detail what conditions students must meet for readmittance after suspension, potentially leaving authority entirely with principals or districts without standardized criteria

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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