HB13 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Barry Mask
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Driving or operating a vehicle or vessel 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: HB13 expands DUI-related crimes to include vessels, making DUI-caused death or serious injury from any vehicle (including boats) subject to tougher charges.
What This Bill Does
The bill changes criminally negligent homicide to a Class C felony when the death is caused by an operator unlawfully driving or operating a vehicle under the influence, and it applies this to vessels as well as motor vehicles. It also makes assault in the first degree a Class B felony when someone causes serious physical injury while driving or operating any vehicle under the influence, including vessels. The bill treats vessels as vehicles for DUI laws and aligns vessel DUI standards with motor vehicle DUI under the state code. It includes a note about local-funds requirements, stating the bill is exempt from Amendment 621 restrictions, and it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

Who It Affects
Operators of any vehicle, including boats (vessels), who would be subject to harsher charges if they drive or operate under the influence and cause death or serious injury.
Victims and their families in DUI-related death or serious injury cases, who would face revised charging penalties (Classes C and B felonies) under the bill.

Key Provisions
Amends 13A-6-4 to make criminally negligent homicide a Class C felony when death is caused by a motor vehicle or vessel operator unlawfully driving or operating under the influence (drugs or alcohol).
Amends 13A-6-20 to make assault in the first degree a Class B felony when a person causes serious physical injury to another while driving or operating any vehicle (including a vessel) under the influence.
Specifies that the term vehicle includes vessels, so DUI provisions apply to boats and other watercraft.
States the bill is exempt from local-fund expenditure requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after 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: Boats and Boating