SB82 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Trip Pittman
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Homicide, crime of homicide by vehicle or vessel, created, penalties, Marshall James Walton Highway Safety Act
Summary: SB82 establishes the Marshall James Walton Highway Safety Act, creating homicide by vehicle as a Class C felony when a death results from certain vehicle operation violations and requires related case reporting.
What This Bill Does
If enacted, it makes it homicide by vehicle when a death is caused by someone knowingly violating vehicle operation laws (Title 32, Chapter 5A, excluding 32-5A-191). Convictions under this new crime would be Class C felonies. It also requires the Administrative Office of Courts and the Office of Prosecution Services to report statistics on these cases to the Legislature, and it states the act is exempt from certain constitutional expenditure requirements; the law takes effect a few months after passage.

Who It Affects
Drivers who knowingly violate vehicle operation laws and who cause a death may be charged with homicide by vehicle (Class C felony).
Law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts will enforce the new crime, handle prosecutions, and prepare the required statistical reports for the Legislature.

Key Provisions
Creates homicide by vehicle when a death is the proximate result of knowingly violating vehicle operation laws under Title 32, Chapter 5A (excluding 32-5A-191).
Penalty: Class C felony for homicide by vehicle.
By the tenth day of the 2022 Legislative Regular Session, AOC and Office of Prosecution Services must report statistical information from court records relating to this charge to the Legislature.
Excludes the act from Amendment 621 expenditure requirements because it defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime.
Effective date: first day of the third month following its 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: Crimes and Offenses