Legislative Summary

The Alabama Legislature has reached the half way mark, completing 15 of the 30 allowed legislative days. It was a two day session week, returning to the typical pattern of two session days with committees meeting on Wednesday. As of this week, there have been 406 bills introduced in the House of Representatives and 267 bills introduced in the Senate.

Some of the bills introduced this week include revisions to Pardons and Paroles, updates as to probate jurisdiction in decedent estates, and legislation addressing security deposits in Landlord Tenant laws. There were numerous bills addressing guns and education. Additionally, legislation was introduced to commence the phase out of the sales tax on food, sponsored by all 35 members of the Senate. An Alabama Law Institute update to the Alabama Business and Nonprofit Entity Code was introduced, the culmination of a two year study involving numerous Alabama lawyers, that makes conforming changes reflecting national standards set by the Model Nonprofit Corporations Act of 2021 and the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Bills moving in committee included changes to retail theft crimes, the update as to vessels, legislation not allowing eligibility of parole if new charges are pending and legislation allowing for more judicial discretion and penalties for class D felonies. The House bill increasing juror pay and mileage received a favorable report as well.

The General Fund budget passed out of the House of Representatives as well as the bill raising the cap for Guardian Ad Litems. They both move to the Senate for further review and debate.

There was a lot of activity this week, please consult the tracking for bills that may be of interest to you and those in your area of practice. There are local bills in Pickens, Limestone and Blount County to increase court costs.

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.

LEGISLATIVE TRACKING

The Alabama State Bar provides legislative status reports concerning pending legislation that may be of interest to our members. 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 CALENDAR

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

• The Senate has adjourned until Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
• The House has adjourned until Tuesday, May 2, 2023.