Bill > SB225

This bill modifies Alabama's existing traffic offense law regarding chemical testing for alcohol and impairing substances, primarily updating terminology from "person" to "individual" throughout the statute and making several key changes to blood draw procedures and evidence standards. The bill clarifies that only qualified individuals (such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, or phlebotomists) may withdraw blood for testing when directed by law enforcement, and notably adds a provision allowing any qualified individual to refuse to draw blood except by court order. The legislation maintains existing blood alcohol content (BAC) presumption standards, which include different thresholds for determining impairment: at 0.05% or less, an individual is presumed not impaired; between 0.05% and 0.08%, no presumption is made; and at 0.08% or higher, an individual is presumed to be under the influence. Special lower thresholds apply for school bus and day care drivers, and individuals under 21 years of age. The bill also preserves protections for medical professionals and facilities from civil or criminal liability when properly administering blood tests requested by law enforcement. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2025, providing ample time for law enforcement and medical professionals to prepare for the updated regulations.

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