This bill, known as the Daryl and Jeanna Speegle and Maggie and Christie Lowe Act, amends Sections 13A-6-2 and 13A-6-3 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to include new provisions related to the crimes of murder and manslaughter in the context of driving under the influence (DUI). Specifically, the bill stipulates that a person commits the crime of murder if they operate a motor vehicle in violation of Section 32-5A-191 (DUI laws), cause the death of another person, have one or more prior DUI convictions, and have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent or more. Additionally, the bill states that a person commits manslaughter if they operate a motor vehicle or vessel in violation of DUI laws and cause the death of another person.

The bill includes insertions that specify the new circumstances under which a person can be charged with murder or manslaughter related to DUI offenses. It also includes deletions that remove redundant language. The bill clarifies that murder under certain subdivisions does not apply if the defendant acted in a sudden heat of passion due to provocation recognized by law. The bill is set to become effective on October 1, 2024, and is excluded from the requirements under Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, which pertains to the requirement of new or increased expenditure of local funds, because it defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime. The bill was read for the third time and passed with 76 yeas, 21 nays, and 4 abstains on April 11, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13A-6-2
Engrossed: 13A-6-3, 13A-6-2