New Law Sets Standardized Response For School Threats
House Bill 7 is now on the books in the State of Alabama. Co-sponsored by Pickens/Tuscaloosa County State Rep. Ron Bolton (R-61st District), the legislation standardizes the process for handling school threats in every school district and increases the consequences for making one.
The new law removes any uncertainty on how a school threat should be handled. Now, a student charged with making a terrorist threat in the first or second degree must be removed from regular classes. Before returning to school, the student's criminal case must be resolved, the student must complete a court-ordered psychiatric or psychological evaluation and counseling, and the student must meet any additional requirements set by the local school board. The law also requires the student's parent or guardian to pay for the evaluation.
If a student is convicted or adjudicated delinquent, the student must be expelled. Courts can also require the student and the student's parent or guardian to reimburse law enforcement agencies, emergency responders and school districts for costs associated with responding to the threat.
The bill also increases the criminal penalty for making a terrorist threat in the first degree and strengthened penalties for repeat offenders.
Rep. Bolton believes the law bring clarity to handling the problem. "Act 2026-367 increases penalties for repeat offenses and also requires principals to report the threats to law enforcement," Bolton stated in response to the law becoming operational. "One thing it does is define the term credible threat, which should limit the number of incidents that actually qualify for the enhanced penalties."
The first term Republican identified the goal of the law to, "...recognize the seriousness of certain acts that pose am imminent threat and respond accordingly while still handling lesser incidents in a fair manner."
Law enforcement agencies across Alabama reported a consistent wave of school threats throughout the past school year. Several were made to schools across West Alabama.
The new law is not limited to schools. The updated statute includes threats against hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities that house disabled or immobile people.
More From Tuscaloosa Thread
