HB14 Alabama 2012 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jay Love

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2012

Title

Education budget, appropriations for the support, maintenance, and development of public education

Summary

The bill lets circuit and probate court judges allow civil pretrial hearings to be held by telephone or video conference.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes presiding judges in each judicial circuit to permit civil pretrial motion hearings to be conducted remotely using telephone or other audio-video means. Judges must develop and publish procedures for conducting these hearings in their circuit. The conferencing setup must let the judge and all parties talk to each other at the same time. It takes effect on January 1 of the year after the bill becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Civil litigants and their attorneys in circuit and probate courts who could participate in pretrial civil hearings remotely
• Presiding judges and the circuit/probate courts that would establish guidelines and oversee the use of teleconference or audio-video hearings

Key Provisions

• Presiding judge may authorize pretrial motion hearings in civil matters in circuit and probate courts to be conducted by telephone conferencing or other audio-video means
• Presiding judge must develop and publish procedures for conducting civil hearings in their circuit
• The device used must enable simultaneous conversation among the judge and all parties
• Effective date: January 1 of the year following passage/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

Education Trust Fund