SB221 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jerry L. Fielding

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

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negligent homicide or assault in the first degree amended to include, Secs. 13A-6-4, 13A-6-20 am'd; Sec. 32-5A-192 repealed

Summary

SB221 broadens DUI-related crimes to include operators of any vehicle or vessel, increases penalties for DUI-caused death or serious injury, and repeals a related statute.

What This Bill Does

SB221 expands DUI-related crimes to apply to operators of any vehicle or vessel, not just cars. It makes criminally negligent homicide a Class C felony when caused by a DUI operator of a vehicle or vessel, and it makes assault in the first degree a Class B felony when such an operator causes serious physical injury. It repeals Section 32-5A-192. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval and is exempt from local funding requirements under Amendment 621.

Who It Affects

• DUI operators: people who drive or operate any vehicle or vessel while under the influence would face enhanced charges if their actions result in death or serious injury.
• Potential victims and the public: broader penalties and wider scope could improve accountability and deterrence for DUI related harm.

Key Provisions

• Amends 13A-6-4 to make criminally negligent homicide a Class C felony when caused by a DUI operator of a vehicle or vessel, instead of the existing Class A misdemeanor in those cases.
• Amends 13A-6-20 to make assault in the first degree a Class B felony when a DUI operator causes serious physical injury to another person while driving or operating any vehicle or vessel.
• Repeals Section 32-5A-192.
• Exempts the bill from local funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime.
• Effective date: becomes effective on the first day of the third month following 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