Governor Ivey Continues Fostering a Safe Alabama, Signs Additional Public Safety Measures into Law

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday signed House Bill 98 to establish a scholarship program for the dependents of law enforcement officers. She also signed Senate Bill 233 into law, increasing penalties for those who attempt to elude law enforcement, often creating dangerous situations for both officers and the public.

Governor Ivey believes public safety is paramount. During her state of the state address this year, she outlined SB233 as a priority for this Session.

“Too often when criminals attempt to flee law enforcement, they put the safety of innocent bystanders, officers and even themselves at great risk,” said Governor Ivey. “Just last week there were at least three such incidents, including one that cost the lives of an Alabama driver and three of his passengers. To counter these often-deadly offenses, penalties for those who recklessly evade law enforcement must be strengthened. I am proud to sign this legislation into law to further protect law enforcement and the public.”

During the 2026 Regular Session, Sen. Lance Bell sponsored the eluding legislation in the upper chamber and Rep. Reed Ingram carried the bill in the House.

“I commend Senator Bell for his hard work and leadership in getting this bill through the Senate,” said Governor Ivey. “I also want to thank Representative Ingram for his years of pushing this issue to the forefront. That effort led to the overwhelming support for SB233 in the House.”

The new law will enhance penalties for Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer by elevating the base offense from a misdemeanor to a felony if using a vehicle.

“This legislation takes a strong stand against those who recklessly attempt to elude law enforcement, while making our roads and communities safer for every Alabamian,” said Sen. Bell. “By imposing tougher penalties – particularly for repeat offenders – we are sending a clear message that this dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. I am grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature for their support in passing this bill, and I appreciate Governor Ivey’s steadfast leadership in prioritizing public safety across our state.”

The law also will toughen sentences against deliberate behavior like eluding with children in the vehicle, striking law enforcement officers in their vehicles, or while the offender is on pretrial release. It also beefs up sentences for repeat offenders by requiring mandatory jail time.

“Public safety is our top priority, and the signing of SB233 is a major step in keeping Alabama families safe. I filed my bill early and worked closely with all stakeholders to deliver a final product that holds individuals accountable for illegally attempting to elude law enforcement while also protecting our officers,” said Rep. Ingram. “I am proud to have worked with Governor Ivey to ensure those who attempt to elude police face the serious consequences they deserve.”

Previously, the offense of Attempting to Elude was generally a Class A misdemeanor, with felony enhancements only tied to specific conduct. It also lacked provisions to adequately address aggravating circumstances that place law enforcement and children at risk, and there were no baseline sentencing consequences for repeat offenders.

Tougher penalties for attempting to elude law enforcement will become effective on October 1,

2026.

During the 2025 Regular Session, Governor Ivey made bolstering public safety her number one priority through her Safe Alabama package of bills, which included the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers’ Family Scholarship Act.

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

In 2026, she continues her efforts to protect the public and law enforcement personnel, which is why she and Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter prioritized establishing the scholarship for dependents of law enforcement.

“Behind every law enforcement officer is a family who sacrifices a great deal to support them,” said Speaker Ledbetter. “The Alabama Law Enforcement Officers’ Family Scholarship Act is a well-deserved and long-overdue show of support to these blue line families, and I am grateful for Governor Ivey’s steadfast support of the last two years on this legislation. It is one thing to say your state is pro-law enforcement, but it is another to put action behind those works. Today, Alabama did exactly that.”

Governor Ivey will continue to prioritize the safety of Alabama’s citizens.

Photos of Governor Ivey signing HB98 and SB233 are attached.

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