Rep. Phillip Pettus

Legislature

Senate Judiciary Committee passes bill to prohibit youthful offender status for capital murder charges

Despite concerns about unintended consequences for accessories, lawmakers advanced legislation Wednesday that limits judicial discretion for teen suspects.

March 19, 2026

AG Marshall endorses legislation to restrict CDL access to English speakers

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall backed a federal proposal to limit commercial licenses to English-proficient citizens and legal residents.

February 10, 2026

House committee passes bill to require additional criteria for parole considerations

The bipartisan measure requires the Parole Board to analyze an inmate’s employment, education and risk assessment when determining release, aiming for better outcomes.

February 5, 2026

Alabama lawmaker proposes English-only driver’s license exams

Rep. Phillip Pettus proposed barring exams in any language but English, citing fatal crashes and federal policy changes as his call to action.

January 1, 2026

Phillip Pettus announces re-election campaign for Alabama House of Representatives

Pettus pointed to his record in the Legislature, where he led reforms to safeguard taxpayers.

July 31, 2025

Teenage boy in black hoodie and jeans is arrested with hands cuffed behind his back. Dark studio background emphasizes his confinement. Represents crime, justice and consequence for youth.

Bill limiting youthful offender status for murder refiled for 2026 session

State Rep. Phillip Pettus refiled legislation to limit youthful offender status for murder charges after a similar bill failed in the last session.

July 29, 2025

partial view of blurred judge holding gavel during sentencing in court

Bill limiting youthful offender status for murder heads to Senate floor

Legislation removing judicial discretion for certain murder charges has advanced in the Alabama Senate.

May 2, 2025

Bill limiting youthful offender status for murder passes Alabama House

HB146 passed in the House, restricting youthful offender status for intentional murder over sparking debate over judicial discretion.

March 5, 2025

Bill to deny youthful offender status for murder charges passes committee

HB146 seeks to deny youthful offender status to anyone older than 16 that's charged with murder or capital murder.

February 27, 2025