SB180 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tom Whatley
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Driving under the influence, ignition interlock devices, other alcohol monitoring device approved by the court, Secs. 32-5A-191, 32-5A-191.4 am'd.
Summary: SB180 would allow courts to require ignition interlock or any court-approved alcohol monitoring device for DUI cases, and permit using other devices instead of ignition interlocks in pretrial diversion, with expanded rules for providers and funding.
What This Bill Does
Gives the court the option to order an ignition interlock device or any other alcohol monitoring device approved by the court for DUI offenses; allows substituting a different monitoring device in lieu of ignition interlock for defendants in pretrial diversion; creates detailed regulatory and funding structures for devices and providers, including indigent provisions and fee distributions; and notes transitional and effective-date details related to these changes.

Who It Affects
DUI defendants (including those in pretrial diversion) who may be ordered to install an ignition interlock device or any court-approved alcohol monitoring device.
Ignition interlock and other alcohol monitoring device providers, along with state agencies and courts, who must follow new installation, calibration, oversight, and funding rules.

Key Provisions
Courts may order an ignition interlock device or any other alcohol monitoring device approved by the court for DUI offenders, and may substitute a different approved device in lieu of ignition interlock for defendants in pretrial diversion.
The bill establishes regulatory and operational requirements for ignition interlock and other monitoring devices, including installation/calibration by trained technicians and prohibition of remote calibration; the Department of Forensic Sciences will adopt rules and maintain lists of approved devices.
Creates a comprehensive funding and indigent service framework: the Ignition Interlock Indigent Fund, mandatory provider reimbursements for indigent defendants, penalties for noncompliance, and specific distributions of fines and fees to various funds and agencies.
Imposes and allocates fees related to ignition interlock orders (e.g., a $200 court-related fee post-conviction, $75 license reissue fee) and requires costs of installation/maintenance to be paid by the defendant unless indigent; specifies how these funds are distributed and used.
Two phased effective dates are built in: a version of the amendment applies until July 1, 2023, and a subsequent version becomes effective July 1, 2023; the bill also states it is exempt from certain local-funding approval requirements under Amendment 621/890, with an effective date after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Motor Vehicles