Alabama State Representative Matt Woods (Jasper) visited with ALCAP President Greg Davis on Priority Talk Radio to discuss a bill that he has filed for the 2025 Legislative Session, which begins on February 4th.
Before engaging in that topic, however, they began by recapping some of the events of the past legislative session in 2024, where Rep. Woods sponsored a bill that was titled the “Alabama Child Protection Act.” This bill passed and became law, and it focused on making deepfake AI-generated child pornography illegal. Rep. Woods believes that it is the strongest law of its kind in the nation.
Moving to 2025’s upcoming session, they shared about a bill (HB85) that Matt Woods is sponsoring. The bill pertains to violent or terrorist threats––such as shootings, bombings, etc.––made towards schools, churches, and other institutions. It would elevate the charges that can be brought against the perpetrator: A first-degree threat is currently a Class C felony; it would be a Class B felony if the bill becomes law. A second-degree threat is currently a Class A misdemeanor; it would become a Class D felony. Also, if a student is the one charged with making a threat, he or she would be suspended and banned from school property for a minimum of one year or until the charges have been dismissed. There are also other requirements as a part of this bill, including a psychological evaluation of the perpetrator and financial restitution made to the offended parties.
The conversation continued, with Woods sharing about another bill he is working on and his campaign to fill the vacancy in Alabama Senate District 5 (formerly held by Greg Reed, who stepped away for another role). He is the Republican Party’s nominee, and the special general election will be held on June 24th.
To listen to their entire conversation, click here.