Legislative Summary

The Alabama Legislature met for three days of session this week, in addition to a jam-packed committee meeting schedule. We have now completed 10 of the 30 allotted days. While the introduction of bills appeared to slow down this week, there have now been 210 bills introduced in the Senate and 325 bills introduced in the House of Representatives.

Despite the slowdown, numerous committee meetings kept bills moving, including a bill requiring the ethics commission to release exonerating information, a bill exempting court costs in contempt motions from protection from abuse orders, and a bill relating to gang activity. Legislation also moved out of a Senate committee that would create a limited grace period prior to the suspension of a driver’s license in certain post adjudication situations like failure to appear and missed payments. The Colby Act, which provides for supported decision-making, also advanced out of committee in its second house. The crime of attempting to elude also moved.

A bill that would raise the caps for those appointed as a guardian-ad-litem to $5,000.00 also passed out of the House Ways and Means committee. Additionally, legislation allowing for the increase of the per diem and mileage for jurors advanced.

The Alabama Law Institute’s comprehensive update to Alabama’s adoption laws received final passage and has been sent to the governor’s office for signature.

There are local bills in Pickens, Limestone, and Blount counties to increase court costs.

There was a lot of activity this week, so please consult the tracking below for bills that may be of interest to you and those in your area of practice.

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 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, court costs, domestic relations, judicial, elections ethics and government relations (EEGR), civil/general and tax.

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

Legislative Calendar

The regular session of the 2023 Legislative Session continues as follows:

• The Senate has adjourned until Tuesday, Apr. 18.
• The House has adjourned until Tuesday, Apr. 18.