Governor Ivey Signs New Public Safety Measures, Expands Support for Law Enforcement Families

April 10, 2026 - MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday signed two major public safety bills into law, advancing her administration's ongoing effort to strengthen protections for Alabama families and law enforcement officers.

The governor approved House Bill 98, establishing a statewide scholarship program for the dependents of long‑serving law enforcement officers, and Senate Bill 233, which increases penalties for individuals who attempt to elude police - a crime state leaders say has become increasingly dangerous on Alabama roads.

Ivey: "Public safety is paramount"

Governor Ivey emphasized that enhancing public safety remains one of her top priorities. She highlighted SB233 during her State of the State address earlier this year, citing a rise in high‑risk pursuits and several recent fatal incidents.

"Too often when criminals attempt to flee law enforcement, they put the safety of innocent bystanders, officers and even themselves at great risk," Ivey said. She referenced at least three such incidents in the past week, including one that resulted in the deaths of an Alabama driver and three passengers. "To counter these often‑deadly offenses, penalties for those who recklessly evade law enforcement must be strengthened."

SB233: Tougher Penalties for Attempting to Elude

Sponsored by Sen. Lance Bell in the Senate and carried by Rep. Reed Ingram in the House, SB233 elevates the base offense of Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer from a misdemeanor to a felony when a vehicle is involved.

The law also adds enhanced penalties for aggravating circumstances, including:

- Attempting to elude with children in the vehicle

- Striking a law enforcement officer's vehicle

- Committing the offense while on pretrial release

- Repeat offenses, which will now require mandatory jail time

"This legislation takes a strong stand against those who recklessly attempt to elude law enforcement," Sen. Bell said, adding that the measure aims to make Alabama roads safer and send a clear message that such behavior "will not be tolerated."

Rep. Ingram said he worked closely with stakeholders to craft a bill that holds offenders accountable while protecting officers. "I am proud to have worked with Governor Ivey to ensure those who attempt to elude police face the serious consequences they deserve," he said.

The new penalties take effect October 1, 2026.

HB98: Scholarship Program for Law Enforcement Families

Governor Ivey also signed HB98, part of her broader Safe Alabama initiative, which creates the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers' Family Scholarship Act. The program provides educational support for the children of long‑serving officers, a measure Ivey and legislative leaders have championed for two years.

"Our law enforcement put it all on the line every day they go to work, and so do their families," Ivey said. "I am proud to firmly Back the Blue and provide these long‑serving law enforcement families support for their children's education."

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter praised the measure as a meaningful investment in the families behind the badge. "It is one thing to say your state is pro‑law enforcement, but it is another to put action behind those words," he said. "Today, Alabama did exactly that."

Continuing the Safe Alabama Agenda

The two bills build on the governor's 2025 Safe Alabama package, which focused on strengthening public safety laws and expanding support for law enforcement personnel. Ivey said she intends to continue prioritizing measures that protect both officers and the public.

"Governor Ivey will continue to prioritize the safety of Alabama's citizens," her office said in a statement.