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

The last full week of the 2021 Legislative Session brought long days and nights, and days 28 and 29 of 30 are now complete. The House of Representatives stayed until the last possible minute before the day expired on the next-to-last day. There remains one legislative day left, which will occur on Monday, May 17, 2021. This ten-day break allows the Governor time to review, sign and/or determine any amendments. The legislature will return to concur on any additional language through Executive Amendment.

In addition to moving through lengthy calendars, many bills were moving back and forth between the House of Representatives and the Senate this week. There were numerous concurrences and conference committees. Procedurally, when a bill is amended in its second house, it must return to its house of origin for concurrence. If the house of origin non-concurs, the bill is sent to conference committee. Three members of each house are appointed to the committee where the bill issues are resolved, and then a conference report is sent to the houses for concurrence. There were approximately 21 concurrences and 5 conferences that occurred this week, resulting in final passage of those pieces of legislation.

Some legislation receiving passage this week included the general fund budget, election bills, legislation benefitting Alabama’s state parks, innovation bills promoting small business and technology, medical marijuana, and many local bills. The Senate concurred on the legislation codifying the Judicial Compensation Commission’s recommendations, and it is now awaiting signature in the Governor’s office. Many thanks to the members of that commission for their time and hard work in evaluating the structure and value of our judges’ compensation.

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 Monday, May 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.
• The House has adjourned until Monday, May 17, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.