HB363 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: David FaulknerRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Crimes and offenses; murder and manslaughter further provided for
Summary: HB363 creates new DUI-related murder and manslaughter offenses in Alabama by tying deadly driving under the influence with high BAC and prior DUI convictions to enhanced charges, effective October 1, 2024.
What This Bill Does
The bill adds two new DUI death offenses: murder when a driver with two prior DUI convictions and a BAC of 0.15 or higher causes a death, and manslaughter when a driver with one prior DUI conviction and BAC of 0.15 or higher causes a death. It keeps existing murder definitions but expands them to include these DUI-related scenarios. Punishments for murder remain Class A felony with possible death or life without parole for aggravated cases (and a minimum 30-year, day-for-day jail term before parole in life sentences); manslaughter is a Class B felony. The act takes effect on October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects
Drivers who have two prior DUI convictions and a BAC of 0.15 or higher who cause a death while driving could be charged with murder.
Drivers who have one prior DUI conviction and a BAC of 0.15 or higher who cause a death while driving could be charged with manslaughter.

Key Provisions
Defines murder when a DUI driver with two prior DUI convictions and a BAC of at least 0.15 causes the death of another person (in certain circumstances related to driving under the influence).
Defines manslaughter when a DUI driver with one prior DUI conviction and a BAC of at least 0.15 causes the death of another person (in driving-related circumstances).
Maintains existing murder and manslaughter framework but classifies these DUI deaths under the new definitions, with murder as Class A felony and manslaughter as Class B felony, plus potential death or life without parole for aggravated circumstances and a 30-year minimum parole term in life sentences.
Effective date: October 1, 2024.

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