LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY

After a week focused on constituent services, the Alabama Legislature returned for a three-day workweek filled with committee meetings and legislative sessions. Sixteen of the thirty allotted session days are now complete. So far, 268 bills have been introduced in the Senate and 478 in the House of Representatives. The Legislature will be on Spring Break next week and will return on April 1, 2025.

While the pace of bill introductions has slowed, a wide variety of new legislation was proposed this week. Notable bills include changes to the judicial review standard in the Alabama Administrative Procedures Act, measures on data and consumer protection, and legislation addressing pharmacies and health insurance. Additionally, new and revised bills related to Alabama’s cannabis laws, property rights, and tax regulations were introduced. Another proposal seeks to raise the age of eligibility to run for judicial office.

Two court cost bills were introduced this week:

• HB 432 (Talladega County): Establishes a $50 service of process fee to benefit the Sheriff and a $100 service of process fee for services related to the correctional facility.
• HB 456 (Clarke County): Establishes a $50 service of process fee to benefit the Sheriff.
• HB 468 (Marion County): Establishes a $50 service of process fee to benefit the Sheriff.

These fees would apply even in cases of attempted service.

Several significant bills were discussed in committee, including proposed changes to public nuisance laws, hospital liens, and a measure allowing virtual participation in parole hearings. Other debated topics included a custody bill, modifications to vaping laws, changes to bond conditions under Aniah’s Law, and the introduction of percentage-based cash bonds.

The Speedy Trial Act gained traction this week, along with Chief Justice Stewart’s Accountability Courts initiative, which aims to consolidate drug courts, mental health courts, and veterans’ courts under the broader category of “Accountability Courts.” This change would enhance consistency in services, funding, and reliability across these programs.

Additionally, a bill granting paid parental leave for teachers and state employees passed and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.

A variety of criminal justice bills are under consideration. Please refer to the legislative tracking section below for a complete list. Additionally, any miscellaneous legislation can be found under the civil designation.

This week, the Alabama Legislature continued with a three-day session. It was a busy week, with

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. The reports divide legislation into the following categories for your convenience: civil/general, court costs, criminal, domestic relations, elections ethics, and government relations (EEGR), judiciary, and tax.

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

Look Up A Specific Bill Here

LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR

The 2025 regular session of the Alabama Legislature will continue as follows:

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