Senate Bill 169 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: David SessionsSenator
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Crimes and offenses; manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and other motor vehicle crimes amended, restitution amended
Summary: SB169 creates a new manslaughter offense for DUI deaths, revises penalties for homicide and motor-vehicle offenses, and expands restitution for victims, effective October 1, 2026.
What This Bill Does
It creates a new manslaughter offense (Class B felony) for driving or operating a vehicle or vessel under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance that results in another person’s death, with a heat-of-passion exception recognized by law. It changes criminally negligent homicide penalties: generally a Class A misdemeanor, but if the death is caused by a driver violating certain traffic laws, it becomes a Class C felony. For motor-vehicle accident violations, the bill sets penalties by harm: property damage only remains a Class A misdemeanor; death or personal injury becomes a Class C felony; serious injury or death becomes a Class B felony. It adds a restitution provision so victims who suffer damage or loss due to criminal conduct tied to motor-vehicle violations can be treated as restitution victims, with the act taking effect on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects
Offenders, including drivers under the influence and individuals involved in fentanyl distribution, who cause death or serious injury and may face higher felony charges (such as manslaughter or elevated homicide penalties) and revised penalties for related motor-vehicle violations.
Victims and their families (including those who suffer property damage, physical injury, or death and those with losses tied to the criminal conduct) who would be recognized as restitution victims and potentially receive restitution under the new rules.

Key Provisions
Creates manslaughter (Class B felony) when a DUI or drug-impaired driver causes death, with a heat-of-passion exception.
Amends criminally negligent homicide to remain Class A misdemeanor, except when caused by a driver violating certain traffic laws, then it is a Class C felony.
restructures penalties for motor-vehicle accident-related violations: property damage only (Class A misdemeanor); death or personal injury (Class C felony); serious injury or death (Class B felony).
Adds restitution rules: victims harmed by these offenses are considered restitution recipients, including those affected by motor-vehicle crash convictions.
Includes fentanyl distribution provisions: selling fentanyl that leads to a death can be part of the manslaughter framework, with certain licensed exemptions and no defense based on seller’s knowledge of fentanyl content.
Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Crimes & Offenses