Senate Bill 233 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Mar 5, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Lance BellSenator
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Crimes and offenses; penalties for eluding or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, penalties further provided
Summary: SB233 tightens penalties for eluding or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, with higher charges and mandatory minimums for repeat offenses.
What This Bill Does
It amends Section 13A-10-52 to define unlawful fleeing from an officer and from signals to stop while driving. It assigns different criminal classes (from misdemeanor to felonies) based on the circumstances, including injuries, crossing state lines, a child in the vehicle, or prior convictions. It also requires license suspension after conviction and sets minimum confinement ranges for second and third or subsequent offenses within specified timeframes. The act takes effect October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects
Drivers who elude or attempt to elude law enforcement face increased penalties, including possible license suspension and imprisonment.
Repeat offenders or offenses with aggravating factors (injury, death, crossing state lines, child in the vehicle, or prior convictions) face higher felonies and longer confinement.
Law enforcement officers and other road users may experience greater deterrence and safety due to the stricter penalties for eluding.

Key Provisions
Defines unlawful fleeing from a known law enforcement officer and after signals to stop when operating a motor vehicle.
Establishes escalating penalties: initial violations can be Class A misdemeanor or Class D felony, with higher classes (Class C or Class B felonies) for specific aggravating circumstances.
Aggravating factors for Class C felony include causing collision or injury, crossing state lines, presence of a child under 14, release on bail/probation/parole, or prior eluding convictions.
Aggravating factors for Class B felony include causing serious injury or death, speeding beyond 20 mph over the limit, striking an officer or officer's vehicle, or having two or more prior convictions.
Imposes driver license suspension for the first conviction (6 months to 2 years) and mandatory confinement for second (minimum 90 days) and third or subsequent convictions (minimum 180 days) within set time frames.
Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 4, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Crimes & Offenses