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Read. Follow. Verify.Alabama HB 581 requires DUI offenders to pay child support when an offense causes a parent's death
Last action · March 5, 2026: Pending Committee Action in House of OriginSponsor: Ernie Yarbrough
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What This Bill Would Do
Alabama HB 581 requires individuals convicted of driving under the influence whose offense causes the death of a parent or guardian to pay child support for the victim's child until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever is later. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.
The measure establishes a mandatory financial support obligation for convicted DUI offenders benefiting minor children who lost a parent, utilizing guidelines or court-determined amounts based on financial needs, custody, and the standard of living the child would have enjoyed.
- Driving under the influence (DUI) in Alabama is prosecuted under Section 32-5A-191 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which sets criminal and civil penalties. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Individuals convicted of driving under the influence
Offenders whose DUI offense causes the death of a parent or guardian are mandated to pay child support and are subject to income withholding orders.
Children of DUI victims
Minors who lose a parent or guardian to a DUI offense are entitled to receive court-ordered child support until adulthood or high school graduation.
Surviving parents and guardians
Surviving caregivers receive financial support calculated based on financial needs, resources, and child care expenses.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the child support obligation end?
What happens if the offender is incarcerated?
Does paying child support give the offender parental rights?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
2 actions- Mar 5, 2026HouseCommitteePending Committee Action in House of Origin
- Mar 5, 2026HouseIntroducedRead for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
alison.legislature.state.al.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy25Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
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