HB765 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Johnny Mack Morrow

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument (bad check), penalty increased for worthless check over certain amount given to a livestock market for livestock, Sec. 13A-9-13.1 am'd.

Summary

HB765 would make negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument a Class C felony when the instrument is $1,000 or more and used to buy livestock at a livestock market.

What This Bill Does

It changes the penalty for negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony if the instrument is worth $1,000 or more and is given to a livestock market to purchase livestock. In all other cases, negotiating a worthless instrument remains a Class A misdemeanor. The bill notes potential local-funding effects under Amendment 621 but states it is exempt from the local-approval requirement due to specified exceptions, and it becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Individuals or businesses that issue negotiating instruments (bad checks), especially those totaling $1,000 or more.
• Livestock markets that receive such instruments in livestock purchase transactions are part of the context where the higher penalty could apply.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-9-13.1 to make negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument a Class C felony if the instrument is $1,000 or more and given to a livestock market for the purchase of livestock.
• In all other cases, negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument remains a Class A misdemeanor.
• Addresses local-funding implications under Amendment 621, stating the bill is exempt from local-approval requirements due to specified exceptions.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses