Bill > HB652

This bill amends Alabama law to further define the crime of manslaughter and increase its penalties. Specifically, it clarifies that manslaughter occurs when someone recklessly causes another's death, causes a death in a sudden heat of passion after provocation, or causes a death by distributing a controlled substance that leads to the user's death. The bill also adds that if someone dies from using a controlled substance that was knowingly sold or distributed to them, the distributor can be charged with manslaughter, even if they didn't know the substance contained fentanyl or a fentanyl analogue, which are dangerous synthetic opioids. Furthermore, causing a death while violating certain traffic laws related to driving under the influence also constitutes manslaughter. The bill designates general manslaughter as a Class B felony, but manslaughter resulting from the distribution of a controlled substance that causes death is elevated to a Class A felony, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

Justice

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search