HB199 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thad McClammy

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Paul BeckmanMike JonesDaniel H. BomanWes LongK.L. BrownAlvin HolmesHoward SanderfordJoe FaustJoe HubbardJack WilliamsChris EnglandJuandalynn Givan

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Circuit courts, civil matters, presiding circuit judge may authorize certain hearings to be held by audio-video telecommunications, requirements

Summary

The bill lets the presiding circuit judge authorize civil pretrial motion hearings to be held by telephone or other audio-video means, with written guidelines for implementation.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes civil pretrial motion hearings in circuit and probate courts to be conducted via telephone or audio-video telecommunications. The presiding judge must develop and publish procedures for conducting these hearings in the judge's circuit. The technology used must allow the judge and all parties to converse simultaneously. The act takes effect on January 1 of the year after it is passed and approved.

Who It Affects

• Civil and probate case litigants in Alabama's circuit and probate courts who may participate in pretrial motion hearings by telecommunication or video.
• Presiding circuit judges and court staff who will implement and oversee the new guidelines and procedures.

Key Provisions

• Presiding judge may authorize pretrial motion hearings in civil matters to be conducted by telephone conferencing or other audio-video telecommunications means in circuit and probate courts.
• The presiding judge must develop and publish procedures for conducting these hearings within the circuit.
• The telecommunications device used must enable the judge and all parties to converse simultaneously.
• The act becomes effective on January 1 of the year following its passage and governor approval.

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

Subjects

Civil Procedure