(MOBILE, Ala.) - It's not always a crime for a teacher to have sex with a student in Alabama, but some people would like to see that change.
In Florida, the law may soon get harsher. Last week, a house committee approved a bill that would make the punishment harsher on teachers who have sex with students under 18.
Right now, the legal age to consent to sex in Alabama is 16. That's why Mobile County District Attorney John Tyson Jr. says, if a teacher has sex with a student who is at least 16, the teacher is not committing a crime.
At Murphy High School, Principal William Smith says he discourages his teachers from getting too close to students.
"They identify too much with the student, start hanging out with them...texting them, that type of thing and before long they've crossed the line," Smith said.
If the legislation in Florida wins final approval, the measure would take effect October 1.