HB347 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Assault, first and second degree revised to include injury caused by the operation of a motor vehicle or vessel operated in violation of driving under the influence law, Secs. 13A-6-20, 13A-6-21 am'd.

Summary

HB347 expands assault laws to cover injuries caused by driving or operating a vehicle or vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

What This Bill Does

It clarifies that assault in the first degree includes causing serious physical injury when a person operates a motor vehicle or vessel in violation of DUI laws. It also adds that causing physical injury (not serious) under the same DUI-vehicle operation circumstances qualifies as assault in the second degree. The bill notes an exemption from local-funds expenditure requirements because it creates or amends a crime, and it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who operate a motor vehicle or vessel while under the influence and cause injury, who would face first- or second-degree assault charges depending on injury severity.
• Victims of DUI crashes and the general public, who gain from stronger assault provisions; law enforcement and prosecutors who will apply the new charges.

Key Provisions

• Adds 13A-6-20(a)(5): while driving under the influence, operating a motor vehicle or vessel and causing serious physical injury to another person constitutes assault in the first degree.
• Adds 13A-6-21(a)(8): while driving under the influence, operating a motor vehicle or vessel and causing physical injury to any other person constitutes assault in the second degree.
• Keeps assault in the first degree as a Class B felony and assault in the second degree as a Class C felony.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval; it is exempt from local-funds expenditure requirements under Amendment 621 because it creates or amends 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