Legislative Summary

Upon their return from Spring Break on Tuesday, Apr. 4, the Alabama Legislature went straight to work. It was a three-day session week packed with over 30 committee meetings held in between sessions. There have now been 274 bills introduced in the House of Representatives and 183 in the Senate.

Many new bills have been filed including one that increases the caps for appointment of attorneys in guardian-ad-litem cases. We also saw new legislation addressing the need for new judgeships in certain areas. Numerous criminal bills were filed including some dealing with parole and class D felonies.

In addition, there are several pieces of legislation filed involving property redemption, abatement and tax liens; legislation relating to income taxes and removal of the sales tax on food; and bills that provide incentives for economic development.

A few of the bills moving through committee this week included the Alabama Law Institute’s modifications to the Uniform Trust Code, revisions to the Healthcare Liability Act, the exemption of court costs on motions for contempt related to Protection from Abuse Orders, and changes in allowing for attorney fees in commitment cases.

Bills of interest receiving passage in the Senate or House this week included a restructure of the circuit clerks’ pay, the Colby Act (which allows for supported decision-making), some tax cuts, and a bill related to electronic stalking. Two of the bills receiving final passage included one addressing the trafficking of fentanyl and another making changes to hospital visitation rules.

There are local bills in Limestone and Blount County 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. 11 at 3:00 p.m.
• The House has adjourned until Tuesday, Apr. 11 at 1:00 p.m.