House Bill 652 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg BarnesRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Crimes and offenses; crime of manslaughter, elements of crime further provided; penalty increased

Summary

HB652 would broaden the crime of manslaughter to include any death caused by furnishing a controlled substance, not just fentanyl, and it would raise penalties, including a potential life sentence for fatal drug-distribution cases.

What This Bill Does

It changes the manslaughter statute to cover cases where a person furnishes a controlled substance that is the proximate cause of another's death. It raises the penalty for such cases, making it a Class A felony with a minimum life sentence when the death is caused by the substance specified in the new provision (and includes fentanyl). It preserves an exemption for licensed physicians, pharmacists, and dentists from the stated provision. The act takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• People who sell, furnish, give away, deliver, or distribute controlled substances, because if the substance causes death, they could be charged with manslaughter.
• Deaths involving fentanyl or other controlled substances, with a heightened penalty under the new provision (Class A felony, with minimum life imprisonment).
• Licensed physicians, pharmacists, and dentists, who are exempt from the new stricter provision when acting within their professional practice.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-6-3 to redefine manslaughter and include new scenarios under which it applies.
• Adds that furnishing any controlled substance that is the proximate cause of death meets the manslaughter criteria (not limited to fentanyl).
• Penalty changes: general manslaughter remains a Class B felony, but manslaughter under the new provision (a)(3) becomes Class A felony with a minimum life imprisonment term.
• Professional exemption: licensed physicians, pharmacists, and dentists are not covered by the new intensified provision when acting within their professional duties.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 31, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes & Offenses