SB406 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Greg J. Reed
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Homicide by vehicle or vessel, crime of created, penalties, Sec. 32-10-6 am'd.
Summary: SB406 creates the crime of homicide by vehicle or vessel and updates penalties for crashes involving injury or death.
What This Bill Does
It makes homicide by vehicle or vessel a strict liability offense when a death results from violations of vehicle, vessel, or traffic laws. It sets penalties of a $500-$2,000 fine or up to three years in jail, or both. It also changes existing penalties so that causing physical injury in a crash would be a Class C felony and causing death or serious physical injury would be a Class B felony, and it updates the related statute accordingly.

Who It Affects
Drivers and boat operators whose violations of traffic or boating laws lead to death or injury (they could be charged with homicide by vehicle or vessel or face higher felony penalties).
People charged with motor-vehicle or boating violations that result in injury or death (these offenses would carry Class C or Class B felony penalties under the new rules).

Key Provisions
Creates the crime of homicide by vehicle or vessel; it is a strict liability offense with penalties of a $500-$2,000 fine or up to three years in prison, or both.
Amends Section 32-10-6 to revise penalties for violations involving crashes: property damage remains a Class A misdemeanor; death or personal injury becomes a Class C felony; death or serious physical injury becomes a Class B felony.
Defines 'physical injury' and 'serious physical injury' using existing meanings (per Section 13A-1-2).
States the act is effective on the first day of the third month after passage and does not require local governmental entity approval due to exceptions; it notes a local-funds expenditure exemption related to creating or amending a crime.

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