HB134 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rod Scott

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Drivers' licenses, suspension based on drug convictions, certain drug offenses deleted from law, certification of act by Governor to U. S. Department of Transportation, Sec. 13A-12-291 am'd.

Summary

The bill would limit driver's license suspensions for drug offenses to only trafficking offenses and requires the Governor to certify this change to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 13A-12-291 to remove most non-trafficking drug offenses from triggering automatic license suspension upon conviction or delinquency; only trafficking in illegal drugs would continue to trigger suspension (with DUI involving controlled substances governed separately). It requires the Governor to certify the act to the U.S. Department of Transportation, signaling Alabama’s stance on federal suspension mandates. The act would take effect immediately after passage and governor’s approval, but the changes would become operative only if the DOT accepts the certification.

Who It Affects

• Individuals convicted of non-trafficking drug offenses (including juveniles) would generally no longer have their driver's licenses suspended for those offenses.
• Individuals convicted of drug trafficking (and those under the DUI provisions involving controlled substances) would continue to face license suspension under the act.

Key Provisions

• Deletes the requirement that a driver's license be suspended for most drug offenses; only trafficking in illegal drugs (and certain listed offenses) would trigger suspension.
• Keeps suspension triggers for trafficking in specified substances and for DUI involving a controlled substance, as noted in the bill's list.
• Requires the Governor to certify a copy of the act to the United States Department of Transportation, expressing opposition to federally mandated suspension requirements.
• The act becomes operative upon acceptance by the U.S. Department of Transportation; it becomes effective immediately after passage and governor’s approval, or as otherwise provided.

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