AL SB167

Individuals convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance must pay child support if the offense causes the death of a child's parent or guardian.

Child support obligation continues until the child reaches 19 years of age and accrues from the date of the parent or guardian's death.

Support amounts may be calculated using Alabama child support guidelines under Rule 32 of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration or determined by the court based on factors including the child's financial needs, surviving parent's resources, standard of living, educational needs, and work-related child care expenses.

Individuals subject to these child support orders are subject to income withholding orders, and incarcerated individuals have up to one year after release to begin payments.

If the support obligation terminates due to the child's age but remains unpaid, payments continue until the entire arrearage is satisfied.

The act becomes effective October 1, 2025.