Lawmakers Push to Reel Back Youthful Offender Protections

Alabama House committee approves bill limiting youthful offender status in murder cases

Rep. Phillip Pettus, R-Killen, speaks to Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on April 22, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. An Alabama House committee Wednesday approved a Pettus-sponsored bill limiting the application of youthful offender status in murder or capital murder cases. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)An Alabama House committee Wednesday approved legislation that would…

Lawmakers push to reel back youthful offender protections

Proposed legislation filed Wednesday would stifle Alabama judges’ power to protect young offenders facing murder charges.