In a move aimed at cracking down on repeat offenders, the Alabama Legislature passed a new bill on Wednesday that will increase penalties for individuals with multiple criminal convictions. The bill, known as Senate Bill 2026-02-15, was introduced by State Senator John Smith and received overwhelming support from both Republicans and Democrats.Under the new legislation, individuals who have been convicted of two or more felonies will face harsher penalties upon their third conviction. This includes longer prison sentences, larger fines, and mandatory participation in rehabilitation programs. The bill also includes provisions for increased monitoring of repeat offenders once they are released from prison.In a statement released after the bill passed, Senator Smith stated, "Repeat offenders pose a serious threat to our communities and it is time we take action to hold them accountable for their actions. This legislation sends a strong message that Alabama will not tolerate those who continue to commit crimes."The bill's passage comes on the heels of a recent uptick in crime in Alabama, particularly in urban areas such as Birmingham and Mobile. Law enforcement officials have cited the prevalence of repeat offenders as a major factor in the rise in crime rates.Supporters of the bill, including victims' rights advocates and law enforcement agencies, praised the legislature for taking a proactive stance on addressing the issue of repeat offenders. They hope that the new penalties will serve as a deterrent to those who have a history of criminal behavior.However, critics of the bill argue that it may disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities, where individuals are more likely to have prior criminal convictions. They also raised concerns about the potential impact on overcrowded prisons in the state.Despite these criticisms, Governor Rebecca Johnson has indicated that she will sign the bill into law. In a statement, she remarked, "It is our duty as public servants to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents of Alabama. This legislation is a crucial step towards achieving that goal."The new law is set to go into effect on July 1, 2026, giving the state time to prepare for the implementation of the harsher penalties for repeat offenders. Law enforcement agencies are expected to work closely with the Department of Corrections to ensure a smooth transition to the new regulations.