HB263 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Locy Baker

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Warren BeckRobert BentleyPhil WilliamsBarry MaskJoe FaustMike HillH. Mac GipsonAlan HarperMike CurtisElaine Beech

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Driving or operating a vehicle as defined (including vessels) under the influence of alcohol or drugs, criminal negligent homicide or assault in the first degree amended to include, Secs. 13A-6-4, 13A-6-20 am'd.

Summary

HB263 broadens DUI-related crimes from motor vehicles to any vehicle, including boats, so DUI-caused deaths or serious injuries could lead to criminally negligent homicide or first-degree assault under broader circumstances.

What This Bill Does

It expands the offense of criminally negligent homicide to cover the operator of any vehicle who unlawfully drives or operates the vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (not just motor vehicles). It also expands assault in the first degree to apply when someone causes serious physical injury while driving or operating any vehicle under the influence. The bill explicitly includes vessels in the definition of 'vehicle,' so boat operators could be subject to these charges as well. The penalties follow the existing framework (Class A misdemeanor generally, with a Class C felony in DUI motor vehicle cases; Assault in the first degree remains a Class B felony).

Who It Affects

• Vehicle operators (drivers, boat operators, and others who operate any propelled device) who would be subject to criminally negligent homicide or first-degree assault if they drive or operate under the influence and cause death or serious injury.
• The general public and law enforcement/prosecutors, who will apply these broadened standards to any vehicle—including boats and other vessels—when addressing DUI-related deaths or serious injuries.

Key Provisions

• Amends 13A-6-4 to make criminally negligent homicide apply when the death is caused by the operator of any vehicle unlawfully driving or operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs; the vehicle definition includes vessels.
• Amends 13A-6-4 to retain the penalty structure (Class A misdemeanor normally, but Class C felony when caused by the driver or operator of a motor vehicle under the influence), with the change expanding the scope to any vehicle under the influence.
• Amends 13A-6-20 to apply assault in the first degree when serious physical injury is caused while driving or operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Explicitly clarifies that the term 'vehicle' includes vessels and other propelled devices.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses