HB375 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve ClouseRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Homestead exemption, increased for protection against confiscation of a homestead for debts, Sec. 6-10-2 am'd.

Summary

HB375 increases Alabama's protected homestead value against debt collection to 20,000 for married couples and 10,000 for individuals, while keeping the 160-acre limit and adding rules for joint ownership and mobile homes.

What This Bill Does

It raises the protected amount of a homestead from debt collection to $20,000 for married couples and $10,000 for individuals, with the 160-acre limit remaining. When a married couple owns the homestead, each spouse can separately claim the exemption. A mobile home counts as a homestead if it is the owner's principal residence, and the protection lasts for the owner's life and occupancy and, after death, for a surviving spouse and minor children.

Who It Affects

• Married couples who own a homestead: their protection increases to $20,000, and each spouse can claim the exemption separately when jointly owning.
• Individual homeowners (not married): their protection increases to $10,000; the 160-acre limit remains in place; mobile homes count as homesteads if they are the principal residence.

Key Provisions

• Increases the homestead exemption to $20,000 for married couples and $10,000 for individuals, while maintaining a 160-acre limit.
• If a husband and wife jointly own a homestead, each spouse may separately claim the exemption to the same extent as an unmarried individual.
• A mobile home or similar dwelling is considered a homestead if it is the owner's principal residence.
• The exemption applies during the owner's life and occupancy and, after death, for a surviving spouse and minor children; the 160-acre area is not enlarged by encumbrances or the nature of the estate.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Homestead Exemption