SB32 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Cam Ward
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Crimes and offenses, J.K. Elrod Act, murder, knowingly selling or distributing a controlled substance that causes the death of another, exemption for physicians and pharmacists
Summary: SB 32 creates a new crime called controlled substance murder for knowingly distributing a controlled substance that causes death, with exceptions for licensed medical providers and enhanced penalties for repeat drug felons.
What This Bill Does
If someone knowingly provides a controlled substance to another person and that substance causes the death of that person or another, they could be charged with murder. Licensed physicians, dentists, other healthcare professionals, pharmacies, hospitals, and similar institutions acting in their professional roles are exempt from this charge. The offense is a Class B felony, and if the person has a prior felony drug conviction, they would face at least 20 years in prison. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after enactment, and it includes provisions related to local funding requirements under Amendment 621.

Who It Affects
Distributors of controlled substances: could be charged with murder if their distribution leads to a death.
Licensed healthcare professionals and institutions: exempt from the murder charge when acting within the scope of professional practice.
People with prior felony drug convictions: face enhanced penalties (minimum 20 years) if convicted under the new crime.
General public/patients: potential impact through stricter criminal liability for those causing deaths with controlled substances.

Key Provisions
Defines 'provides' to include selling, furnishing, giving away, delivering, or distributing a controlled substance.
Creates 'controlled substance murder': knowingly providing a controlled substance to another with intent to cause death, resulting in death.
Exempts licensed physicians, dentists, other licensed healthcare practitioners, pharmacies, and certain institutions from the murder provision when acting in professional practice or research.
Penalties: Class B felony for violations; and a minimum of 20 years imprisonment if the offender has a prior felony drug conviction.
Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.
Section 2 clarifies that the bill is excluded from Amendment 621 local expenditure rules because it defines a new crime or amends an existing 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