SB225 Alabama 2025 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Sam GivhanSenator
Republican
Session: 2025 Regular Session
Title: Traffic offenses, drawing of blood in relation to certain traffic offenses further provided for
Summary: SB225 would expand who can withdraw blood for DUI testing, allow qualified personnel to refuse blood draws in certain circumstances, and update the testing rules and presumptions used in Alabama traffic offenses.
What This Bill Does
It specifies that when a blood test is requested by police, only physicians, registered nurses, paramedics, phlebotomists, or other qualified persons may withdraw blood for alcohol or impairment testing, with breath or oral fluid testing not limited by this rule. It allows qualified individuals to refuse to draw blood under certain circumstances, giving them a formal right to decline the blood draw. It requires blood test analyses to be done using Department of Forensic Sciences–approved methods, with permits issued to qualifying law enforcement and laboratory personnel, and it preserves the option for the tested person to obtain an additional test at their own expense. It outlines how test results are used, including BAC calculations, presumptions about intoxication at different BAC levels, and the admissibility of evidence related to refusals, while providing liability protections for those administering the tests. It also becomes effective October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects
Law enforcement agencies and qualified medical personnel (physicians, registered nurses, paramedics, phlebotomists, and other qualified individuals) who may withdraw blood for testing, now with the added ability to refuse under certain circumstances and subject to DoFS oversight and permits.
Individuals suspected of DUI or under the influence, including drivers involved in traffic offenses, whose blood/breath tests, BAC interpretations, and rights to additional testing or information are defined and governed by the revised rules.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 32-5A-194 to define who may withdraw blood for determining alcohol content or presence of impairing substances and clarifies that this limitation does not apply to breath or oral fluid.
Requires analyses to be conducted with methods approved by the Department of Forensic Sciences and by a permitted qualified individual; DoFS may approve qualifications and revoke permits as needed.
When directed to test under Section 32-5-192, only a physician, RN, paramedic, phlebotomist, or other qualified person may withdraw blood; the breath/oral fluid testing remains unaffected by this limitation.
Allows the tested person to obtain an additional chemical test at their own expense and requires that information about the test be provided to the person or their attorney upon written request.
Sets BAC-related presumptions based on blood or breath alcohol content, with special considerations for school bus/daycare drivers and individuals under 21, while allowing other competent evidence to be introduced.
Permits admission of evidence of test refusals if a person refuses a chemical test, and provides liability protection for those administering the test when done properly.
Establishes an effective date of October 1, 2025.

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