Legislative Summary

As we enter the final stretch of the Legislative Session, the atmosphere is charged with purpose, with only nine Legislative days remaining to address essential matters. The week unfolded in its usual rhythm, with two days of session and extensive committee meetings dominating Wednesday.

Currently, the Senate has seen the introduction of 324 bills, while the House of Representatives has 453 bills on record. Among the noteworthy bills introduced this week are initiatives ranging from establishing a community corrections program in Lawrence County to addressing issues spanning cannabis, contraception, and pardons and paroles.

The House Judiciary Committee engaged in lively debates on a spectrum of issues, including pardons and paroles, juvenile justice, and reforms concerning the transfer of interests in deceased individuals’ motor vehicles. Notably, the Senate Judiciary Committee did not convene, while other committees tackled packed agendas touching upon critical topics such as cannabis legislation, education, workforce development, and governance.

One particularly anticipated development for criminal defense attorneys was the passage of HB275, a revision to the indigent defense statute pertaining to fees, which now awaits the Governor’s signature after securing final approval this week. Additionally, the Senate successfully advanced the general fund budget, marking significant progress in fiscal matters.

There were full calendars in both the House and the Senate this week, so please refer to the tracking links below for any bills of interest to your practice. Noteworthy among the plethora of proposals were local bills proposing fee increases and modifications to service of process fees for sheriffs, alongside adjustments to court costs. Some of these bills attach the fee even if the document filed is not served by the sheriff. This week, bills seeking increases were filed for Marengo and Houston County.

The proposed fee increases are as follows:

• HB85 Marion County – $30 fee per document; proceeds to Sheriff
• HB311 Baldwin County – increase from $30 per document filed to $60 per document filed with majority of proceeds to the Sheriff
• HB384 Tuscaloosa County -increase from $12.50 per document to $60 per document and increase to $85 for out of county; majority of proceeds to Sheriff and District Attorney
• HB431 Houston County – increase fee by $20 per case for county jail and District Attorneys
• SB263 Etowah County – $35 fee per document for Sheriff

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

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

LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR

The 2024 regular session of the Alabama Legislature will continue as follows:

• The Senate has adjourned until Tuesday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m.
• The House has adjourned until Tuesday, April 16, at 1:00 p.m.