SB394 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clay Scofield

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, traffic fatalities, traffic homicide investigator certification

Summary

SB394 would require every fatal traffic crash investigation to be conducted by an officer certified as a traffic homicide investigator by the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), with a system to provide investigators at no cost if local units lack trained personnel.

What This Bill Does

It requires that any fatality from a traffic accident be investigated by a law enforcement officer who is ALEA-certified as a traffic homicide investigator. If the county or municipality where the fatality occurred does not have a certified investigator, a neighboring county or municipality may provide one at no cost, and if no neighbor provides, ALEA must supply a certified investigator at no cost. It sets general training requirements for certification, including crime scene management, roadway mark identification, crime scene measurement, scale diagramming, evidence collection, post-crash vehicle inspection, speed analysis, and interviewing. The Secretary of ALEA may adopt rules to implement the act, and the act would take effect January 1, 2018.

Who It Affects

• County and municipal law enforcement agencies that investigate traffic fatalities would be required to rely on ALEA-certified traffic homicide investigators, or use the cost-free coverage mechanism if they lack certified personnel.
• Law enforcement officers who seek certification as traffic homicide investigators would need to complete the specified training to qualify.

Key Provisions

• Every fatality arising from a traffic accident shall be investigated by a law enforcement officer certified as a traffic homicide investigator by ALEA, with training in crime scene management, roadway mark identification, crime scene measurement, scale diagramming, evidence collection, post-crash vehicle inspection, speed analysis, and interviewing.
• If no certified investigator is available locally, a neighboring county or municipality may provide one at no cost; if none is provided, ALEA shall provide a certified traffic homicide investigator at no cost. The Secretary of ALEA may adopt rules to implement the act, and the act becomes effective January 1, 2018.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency