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AlabamaSB1692026 Regular SessionSenate

Crimes and offenses; manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and other motor vehicle crimes amended, restitution amended

Sponsored By: David Sessions (Republican)

Enacted

Crimes & Offenses

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Accident victims gain access to restitution

Beginning October 1, 2026, Alabama law expands access to restitution for people who suffer damage or loss. The loss must connect to conduct resulting in a conviction under Alabama Code §§ 32-10-1 through 32-10-5. These people qualify as victims under the state's restitution law. The law sets no payment amount and does not guarantee recovery.

Lower negligent homicide classification for operators

Beginning October 1, 2026, Alabama classifies criminally negligent homicide as a Class A misdemeanor. The law removes the former Class C felony exception for drivers and vessel operators violating specified impaired-driving laws. Those laws are Alabama Code § 32-5A-191 and § 32-5A-191.3. Criminally negligent homicide still requires causing another person's death through criminal negligence.

Fatal impaired driving brings manslaughter charges

Beginning October 1, 2026, causing another person's death while violating either listed impaired-driving law is Class B felony manslaughter. The rule applies to drivers of motor vehicles and operators of vessels. The covered laws are Alabama Code § 32-5A-191 and § 32-5A-191.3. The violation must cause the death.

Tougher penalties for accident-scene violations

Beginning October 1, 2026, Alabama sets penalties for covered accident-scene violations based on the harm involved. Violations involving only property damage are Class A misdemeanors. Those involving physical injury are Class C felonies. Those involving serious physical injury or death are Class B felonies. These rules cover convictions under Alabama Code §§ 32-10-1 through 32-10-5.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • David Sessions

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jack W. Williams

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 306 • No: 0

House vote • 2/12/2026

Third Reading in Second House

Yes: 102 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 2/12/2026

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 384

Yes: 102 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 2/5/2026

Third Reading in House of Origin

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/5/2026

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 255

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/5/2026

Sessions motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 254

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Enacted

    2/19/2026Senate

  2. Third Reading in Second House

    2/12/2026House

  3. Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 384

    2/12/2026House

  4. Shaver intended to vote "Yea"

    2/12/2026House

  5. Ready to Enroll

    2/12/2026Senate

  6. Ready to Enroll

    2/12/2026Senate

  7. Enrolled

    2/12/2026Senate

  8. Delivered to Governor

    2/12/2026Senate

  9. Signature Requested

    2/12/2026House

  10. Reported Out of Committee Second House

    2/10/2026House

  11. Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar

    2/10/2026House

  12. Third Reading in House of Origin

    2/5/2026Senate

  13. Judiciary 1st Amendment Offered

    2/5/2026Senate

  14. Sessions motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 254

    2/5/2026Senate

  15. Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 255

    2/5/2026Senate

  16. Engrossed

    2/5/2026Senate

  17. Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary

    2/5/2026House

  18. Pending Committee Action in Second House

    2/5/2026House

  19. Judiciary 1st Amendment

    2/3/2026Senate

  20. Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

    2/3/2026Senate

  21. Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar

    2/3/2026Senate

  22. Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary

    1/15/2026Senate

  23. Pending Committee Action in House of Origin

    1/15/2026Senate

Bill Text

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