A new Alabama law is changing what happens when a student is charged with making a terroristic threat, and it could affect how schools, parents and law enforcement respond long before a student ever returns to the classroom.

House Bill 7 took effect July 1 after lawmakers said school threats had become too common across the state. Supporters say the law is meant to make schools safer by creating one consistent process for every public school district while increasing the consequences for students who make threats.

For families, the biggest change comes after a student is charged.

Under the new law, a student charged with making a terrorist threat in the first or second degree must be removed from regular classes. Before returning to school, the student’s criminal case must be resolved, the student must complete a court-ordered psychiatric or psychological evaluation and counseling, and the student must meet any additional requirements set by the local school board. The law also requires the student’s parent or guardian to pay for the evaluation.

Walker County Schools Superintendent Dennis Willingham said his district has taken school threats seriously for years, but the law gives schools across Alabama the same roadmap for handling them.

“The main difference with the new law that just took effect today is that in order for a student to re-enter our school system and our schools, they have to pass a mental evaluation,” Willingham said. “I think that’s very important. That’s a step that’s been added that we’ve not had before.”

Many school districts already worked closely with law enforcement when threats were reported. The new law creates statewide standards that every public school system must follow.

Principals are now required to immediately notify law enforcement if a student’s conduct could warrant a charge of making a terrorist threat. Students charged under the law must be suspended from regular classes while both the criminal case and the school disciplinary process move forward.

Willingham said having one statewide policy removes uncertainty for school leaders.

“It does help us out as we move forward in ensuring that our schools are as safe as they possibly can be,” he said.

The law does more than remove students from the classroom.

If a student is convicted or adjudicated delinquent, the student must be expelled. Courts can also require the student and the student’s parent or guardian to reimburse law enforcement agencies, emergency responders and school districts for costs associated with responding to the threat.

Lawmakers also increased the criminal penalty for making a terrorist threat in the first degree and strengthened penalties for repeat offenders.

Willingham hopes the new law also starts conversations around the dinner table.

He says students do not always understand that a social media post, text message or joke can quickly become a criminal matter.

“Things they feel may be a joke can go south in a hurry and have really strong consequences,” Willingham said. “Those consequences could be that they’re expelled from the school system. They could be that the student ends up in jail.”

He encourages parents to talk with their children about thinking before they post online or make comments that could be interpreted as threats.

While much of the attention has focused on classrooms, the law also expands protections to other public places.

The updated statute includes threats against hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities that house disabled or immobile people.

As districts prepare for another school year, leaders hope they never have to use the new law. But if they do, they say every school in Alabama now has the same set of rules to follow and a clearer process for keeping students and staff safe.

Alabama grocery shoppers can expect a change on their bills starting July 1 when the state grocery tax returns.

After two months of lower grocery bills, a two-month tax holiday is ending.

A temporary suspension of the state’s 2% sales and use tax on groceries expired at the end of June. Beginning July 1, shoppers will once again pay the 2% state tax on eligible grocery purchases.

The tax holiday, approved by lawmakers earlier this year, applied during May and June.

Grocery store news in Montgomery

In recent Montgomery news, two Piggly Wiggly locations celebrated ribbon cuttings in March 2026.

Also, beginning May 1, Sam’s Club increased the cost of its annual memberships by $10, affecting both standard and premium tiers. There are 13 Sam’s Club warehouses in Alabama, including one in Montgomery.

Alabama laws taking effect July 1

Alabamians will see several new laws and policy changes take effect on or around July 1, bringing updates that will affect everything not only grocery shopping but also school safety, food truck business and student athletics.

Other new laws taking effect in Alabama on July 1:

• food truck operators will soon be able to use a single statewide inspection certification.
• making credible threats against schools, hospitals and nursing homes will carry tougher criminal penalties.
• Alabama physician assistants can approve sports physical forms.

Some other laws approved during the 2025 Alabama legislative session won’t become effective until Oct. 1, the state’s standard effective date for most legislation.

Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com.

Jameson Williams has an opportunity to have the best year of his young NFL career during the upcoming NFL season, according to the Detroit Lions’ wide receiver coach Scottie Montgomery. Williams is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

The former Alabama wideout is now looking to become a premier receiving threat in 2026, and Montgomery can see the step to becoming elite happening for Williams.

“We’ve worked very hard this preseason, even talking on the phone about the details needed to go from being a good player to being truly elite in our sport,” Montgomery said, according to MLive’s Kory Woods. “And then, from a mental standpoint, the way we work, not just at the beginning of a drill, but also at the end. Everything we do, his details, his vision, his catch points, his control points, everything we’re doing now, we did it in March and April, and it showed. We’re very excited about his current level. Without a doubt, this has been his best preseason, his best opportunity to grow as a player since we’ve been here for several reasons, but he’s done a good job.”

Williams is set to enter his fifth season in the NFL with the Lions.

The Lions have benefitted from back-to-back impressive seasons for Williams. He finished last season with 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns on 65 receptions.

Justin Smith is the Managing Editor and Lead Writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine with over 10 years of writing experience & expertise. Smith has consistently delivered high quality, extensively researched information on the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide football team that fans can trust. Smith is official credentialed media with the University of Alabama under Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He is also the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Enterprises, specializing in scouting and analyzing high school recruits around the nation, specifically focusing on recruits within the state of Alabama.