MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The House approved Tuesday a bill increasing the penalties for people convicted of driving under the influence for the first time.
House Bill 1 would mandate that first-time DUI offenders install and operate ignition interlock devices in their vehicle for six months. The devices breathalyze drivers before they are able to operate their vehicle and do not allow the car to start if a person has a blood alcohol level higher than the legal limit.
Under current law, a person convicted of a DUI can have their mandatory 90-day driver’s license suspension halted if they install and operate an ignition interlock device on their vehicle for 90 days.
Rep. Barbara Boyd, D-Anniston, brought the legislation to the chamber after she narrowly survived a car crash with an alleged drunk driver in 2024. She had multiple surgeries as a result of the accident and called herself “a living miracle” on the floor.
Several lawmakers thanked Boyd for bringing the bill and expressed how thankful they are that she survived to tell her story.
Rep. Ontario Tillman, D-Bessemer, introduced a floor amendment adding that offenders can only apply to have their regular driver’s licenses restored after possessing a restricted driver’s license for 180 days. The amendment passed by a vote of 104-0.
The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 100-0. It now moves to the Senate.