Crimes and offenses; motor vehicle accidents, penalties for violations and restitution, revised

HB 143 would upgrade penalties for motor vehicle accident violations in Alabama. It changes criminally negligent homicide caused by a vehicle operator from a Class C to a Class B felony and creates tiered penalties for failing to report accidents: Class C felony for physical injury, Class B for serious injury, and Class A felony for death. The bill also requires courts to consider accident victims eligible for restitution when convictions occur under these provisions. These changes directly affect drivers involved in accidents causing injury or death and the victims seeking compensation. The bill is pending committee review and would take effect October 1, 2026.