Legislative Summary

After a week off for constituent work at home, the Alabama Legislature returned for a busy week before taking off for its official spring break next week. There were only two session days, which should be the norm for the remaining time, and Wednesday was packed full of committee meetings. Wednesday night, legislators took part in the annual House vs. Senate softball game at Montgomery’s Riverwalk Stadium. There was an uptick of legislation introduced this week bringing the total number of bills in the Senate to 259 and 382 in the House. By now, 17 of the 30 allowed legislative days are complete.

Some of the bills introduced this week involve changes to involuntary commitments, expansion of e-warrants for municipalities, changes to tax liens and sales, pardons and parole changes, tax credits for childcare, and workforce expansion.

Changes to the distracted driving law, non-resident boater law, and laws on data breach issues were also discussed. The Uniform Commercial Real Estate Receivership Act was also filed in addition to numerous local bills.

In Senate Judiciary this week, bills concerning asbestos actions, the crimes of swatting, false advertising for sexual or labor servitude, false reporting, and the online distribution of material harmful to minors were all debated. Additionally, the bill making changes to retired judges being called to interim duty passed.

In House Judiciary, bills relating to changes to the felony murder law, terrorist threats, changes to the definition of sexual conduct, and crimes against election officials were debated. A bill giving judges expanded jurisdiction to issue certain ex parte orders where juveniles are endangered also passed out of committee.

A bill increasing service of process fees to the sheriffs by $50 was also in committee. There were also two additional local bills filed from Tallapoosa and Baldwin county increasing their service of process fees to their sheriffs.

Additionally this week, legislation increasing the fees for indigent defense attorneys was on the move.

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