News Post

Legislative Tracking

The Alabama State Bar provides legislative status reports concerning pending legislation that may be of interest to our members, with direct links to the actual legislation. The reports divide legislation into the following categories for your convenience: criminal, domestic relations, judicial, court costs, elections ethics and government relations (EEGR), civil/ general and tax.

You can find our comprehensive updated bill-tracking spreadsheet here.

Legislative Summary

This week began with a real sense of purpose. There were lengthy special order calendars and numerous committee meetings resulting in a very busy three days for the Alabama Legislature. Twenty one of the 30 constitutionally-allowed session days are now in the books. There was a noticeable slow down in the introduction of new bills, with only 4 new bills introduced in the Senate this week. There have now been 387 bills introduced in the Senate and 609 bills introduced in the House of Representatives.

Some of the new bills introduced this week include an economic development bill, a bill relating to marriages, a bill relating to guardianships and conservatorships, limited liability as to regional mental health centers, a local bill instituting a failure to appear fee in Marshall County and legislation as to the amount of catfish one can have on their person.

Some bills in committee this week included legislation involving election laws, wiretapping, changes to guardianship and conservatorship laws, more bail bills, medical marijuana, yoga in public schools, and several bills further detailing COVID-19 related issues for financial, business, schools, immunization and personal purposes.

Bills receiving votes in the House of the Representatives and Senate this week included passage of the Judicial Compensation Restructure legislation out of the Senate, which is now headed to the House Ways and Means committee. Also in the Senate this week there was the long-discussed and debated distracted driving legislation, as well as a lengthy debate as to a lottery. The House of Representatives worked through very lengthy calendars, with filibusters all three days.

As always, the Alabama State Bar encourages all members to be aware of legislation that may impact courts costs and fees. Access to Justice is a priority. Please be aware of advertisements that may be occurring for local bills and those that may already be filed to use the courts as a fundraiser for non-court entities. We encourage you to be informed and notify us as well.

As always, the Alabama State Bar encourages all members to be aware of legislation that may impact court costs and fees. Access to justice is a priority. Please be aware of advertisements that may be occurring for local bills and those that may already be filed to use the courts as a fundraiser for non-court entities. We encourage you to be informed and notify us as well.

Legislative Calendar

The regular session of the 2021 Legislative Session is proceeding as follows:

• The Senate has adjourned until Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
• The House has adjourned until Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.