HB395 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Chris PringleRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Crimes and offenses, manslaughter, death resulting from unlawful sale of a controlled substance, Sec. 13A-6-3 am'd.
Summary: HB395 would make selling or distributing a controlled substance that results in death a manslaughter offense under Alabama law.
What This Bill Does
It amends Section 13A-6-3 so that a person who sells, furnishes, gives away, delivers, or distributes a controlled substance in violation of the law, and death results from its use, can be charged with manslaughter (a Class B felony). Licensed physicians, pharmacists, and dentists acting in their professional practice are exempt from this liability. The bill notes it is exempt from certain local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it creates a new crime or amends an existing one, and it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and the governor's approval.

Who It Affects
People who sell, furnish, give away, deliver, or distribute a controlled substance and whose distribution leads to another person's death (potential manslaughter liability).
Licensed physicians, pharmacists, and dentists acting within their professional practice (exempt from this provision).

Key Provisions
Amends Section 13A-6-3 to add manslaughter for deaths that result from illegal distribution of a controlled substance.
Declares manslaughter under this provision to be a Class B felony.
Adds a professional-practice exemption for licensed physicians, pharmacists, and dentists.
States the bill is exempt from Amendment 621 local-funding requirements because it defines a new crime; it does not require local entity approval for effectiveness.
Effective date: first day of the third month after the bill is passed and approved by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Controlled Substances