News Summary
Governor Kay Ivey has enacted crucial legislation to address gun violence and ban cell phone use in public schools in Alabama. During her speech at the Huntsville-Madison Chamber of Commerce, she announced Senate Bill 119 to increase penalties for gun-related crimes and modify Aniah’s Law. Additionally, the FOCUS Act will prevent students from using cell phones in classrooms, aiming to improve focus and safety. With only days left in the legislative session, the governor is optimistic about advancing further public safety measures.
Huntsville, Alabama – Governor Kay Ivey Signs New Gun Violence Legislation and Cell Phone Ban
Governor Kay Ivey has signed significant legislation aimed at combatting gun violence in Alabama and banning cell phone use in public schools. The governor, during her Alabama Update speech at the Von Braun Center for the Huntsville-Madison Chamber of Commerce, announced the passage of Senate Bill 119, which will increase penalties for gun-related crimes and expand Aniah’s Law. The new law is set to take effect in October, while changes to Aniah’s Law will need ratification before becoming effective.
The governor’s visit to Huntsville included a bill signing event at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, where Ivey expressed confidence that these new measures will enhance community safety. This legislative action is being viewed as a proactive step in addressing the rising concerns surrounding gun violence in inner-city communities across Alabama.
In addition to the gun violence legislation, Governor Ivey is advocating for the FOCUS Act, which aims to prohibit students from using wireless communication devices during instructional time in public schools. As part of the provisions, students would be required to store their devices in designated areas like lockers or backpacks starting in the 2026-27 school year. Exceptions may be made for students with disabilities or specific health needs.
Health and Academic Benefits
The FOCUS Act arises from findings that suggest that the overwhelming majority of high school teachers—approximately 72%—perceive cell phones as a distraction in the classroom environment. Furthermore, Ivey highlighted that teenagers spend nearly five hours daily on social media, which has been shown to adversely affect their well-being. The legislation is expected to receive bipartisan support as it seeks to eliminate distractions and boost educational focus among students.
Other Legislative Efforts
Alongside gun violence measures and the FOCUS Act, Governor Ivey also mentioned upcoming public safety initiatives, including a proposal aimed at removing illegal Glock switches and the introduction of the Officer Impersonation Act. This act is intended to prevent individuals from falsely impersonating law enforcement officials. Ivey acknowledged the efforts of Senator Sam Givhan, who serves as vice chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, in guiding these public safety measures through the legislative process.
As the Alabama legislative session draws to a close with only three days remaining, Governor Ivey remains optimistic about the progress of additional public safety bills aimed at ensuring a safer environment for all Alabama residents.
Conclusion
With the signing of these new laws, Alabama is taking significant steps to address two major issues affecting its communities: gun violence and the disruptive influence of cell phones in educational settings. As these measures move forward, state officials and communities alike are expected to watch closely for their impact on public safety and student engagement in schools.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Montgomery Man Charged in Connection to Deadly Tuskegee University Shooting
Additional Resources
- WBRC: Governor Ivey Signs Bill to Combat City Gun Violence
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- WAFF: Alabama Governor Kay Ivey Speaking at VBC
- Google Search: Kay Ivey
- WHNT: Gov. Ivey to Present 2025 Alabama Update
- Google Scholar: Governor Kay Ivey
- AL.com: Ivey Pitches School Cell Phone Ban
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Safety
- RocketCityNow: Governor Ivey Addressing Business Leaders
- Google News: Gun Violence Legislation Alabama
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
