March 8, 2026
This past Tuesday, I had the honor of standing on Capitol Hill as six U.S. Senators - three Republicans and three Democrats - formally filed the federal version of Trey's Law. Alabama passed this legislation earlier this session, and I was grateful to be invited to the press conference to represent the work we did here at home.
Trey's Law addresses one of the most painful realities in child protection: the practice of paying sexual abuse victims - including children - to stay silent about what was done to them. It is named for Trey Carlock, who tragically took his own life after being sexually abused and paid to remain quiet. This law makes that silencing illegal. No child should ever be bought into silence.
I am so proud that Senator Katie Britt is one of our U.S. Senators. She was one of the three Republican co-sponsors of this bipartisan bill, and she spoke at the press conference alongside Senator Ted Cruz. Watching Katie in action - both at the press conference and earlier that day in Senate Judiciary - was a reminder of what exceptional leadership looks like.
Her leadership on Trey's Law at the federal level is exactly the kind of work that makes a difference for children and families - not just in Alabama, but across the country. We are fortunate to have her.
The six Senate co-sponsors - three Republicans and three Democrats - reflect exactly what this issue deserves: unified, bipartisan resolve. Protecting children from sexual abuse and from being silenced about it is not a partisan issue. It never should be.
Senator Cruz also spoke at the press conference and took a moment to personally thank me for Alabama's work on this bill. He expressed appreciation for the states that have already acted - including Texas, Missouri, and Alabama - and the momentum that has built toward federal passage.
I also had the chance to visit with Senator Tommy Tuberville while I was in Washington. Alabama's federal delegation continues to be a tremendous asset for our state.
None of this would exist without Elizabeth Phillips - Trey's sister - who has poured her life into turning a devastating personal loss into a national movement. Elizabeth leads the Trey's Law advocacy effort.
At the press conference, we also heard from another survivor of sexual abuse. Their testimony was moving and powerful - a reminder of the real human cost behind every line of this legislation. Moments like that stay with you.
My colleague Rep. Matt Woods and I carried Trey's Law in Alabama. Governor Ivey signed it into law earlier this session. The federal bill introduced this week builds directly on what states like ours have already done.
Being invited to Washington to represent that work - to stand in the Capitol alongside U.S. Senators and advocates from across the country - was an honor I don't take lightly. Alabama got this right. And now the nation is following.
I'm back in Montgomery now with my attention squarely on finishing the work of this session - especially getting the Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act through the Senate. I am committed to seeing it across the finish line.
Alabama led on Trey's Law. We will lead on camp safety too.
Crime victims are getting their funding restored, a Homewood pedestrian bridge is underway, and several of my bills are one step from final passage. A busy week in Montgomery - here's the full update.
A long Tuesday night in Montgomery produced three unanimous votes, and a major self-defense bill cleared its biggest Senate hurdle. Here's everything that moved in Week 7 - from arson reform to protecting houses of worship.
The Camp Safety Act passed the House unanimously, key bills on computer science and arson reform advance, and Trey's Law awaits the Governor’s signature as the session reaches its midpoint.
The Camp Safety Act is first on Tuesday’s House calendar, Trey's Law awaits the Governor’s signature, and key bills on self-defense, computer science graduation requirements, arson reform, and guardianship updates continue advancing with strong bipartisan support.
The Governor and Alabama State Health Officer, Dr. Scott Harris, shared Alabama’s most recent numbers and updates...
I had my legislative weekly conference call with the Governor and our State Health Officer, Scott Harris, yesterday.
For 4 weeks now, the Legislature has had a weekly conference call with the Governor and some of the State’s top Department and Agency heads.
It was such an honor to be among those involved with the groundbreaking ceremony for the EXPLORE Playground & Splash Pad
Organizing for Action: We’re the people who don’t just support
Organizing for Action: We’re the people who don’t just support
Organizing for Action: We’re the people who don’t just support
