SB20 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 25, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Bryan Taylor
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2013
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: SB20 expands DUI-related criminal charges to any vehicle, including boats, when operated unlawfully under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and applies those charges when such operation causes death or serious injury.
What This Bill Does
It makes criminally negligent homicide a Class C felony when the death is caused by an operator of any vehicle unlawfully driving or operating under the influence. It also makes assault in the first degree apply when someone causes serious physical injury while driving or operating any vehicle under the influence, making it a Class B felony. The bill broadens the definition of vehicle to include vessels and other propelled devices.

Who It Affects
Vehicle operators (drivers and boat operators) who are unlawfully under the influence; they could face criminally negligent homicide charges if their operation causes death, or first-degree assault charges if they cause serious physical injury.
Other road and water users (pedestrians, passengers, drivers, boaters) who may be harmed; the changes broaden liability to vessels and other vehicles, increasing potential charges and penalties when harm occurs.

Key Provisions
Amends 13A-6-4 to make criminally negligent homicide a Class C felony when caused by the operator of any vehicle unlawfully driving or operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Amends 13A-6-20 to make assault in the first degree apply when serious physical injury results from driving or operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Class B felony).
Broadens the definition of 'vehicle' to include any propelled device, including vessels, so DUI-related offenses can apply to boats and similar devices.
Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs the bill.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Crimes and Offenses