HB17 Alabama 2012 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg Wren

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2012

Title

Alabama Cyber Technology Authority created, membership, powers, dissolution

Summary

HB17 creates crimes tied to false recording and false removal of instruments, allows expedited removal of false instruments filed against public servants, and clarifies local-funding rules under Amendment 621.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 13A-9-12 to establish two new crimes: offering a false instrument for recording (Class A misdemeanor) and falsely removing an instrument from recording (Class C felony), with additional provisions for offering a false instrument against a public servant (Class C felony). It also allows a public servant who has a false instrument filed against them to request removal to circuit court for expedited handling, with a 45-day timeline and the option to use a magistrate if not heard in time, applying the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure. The bill notes that, although it could involve local funding, it is exempt from Amendment 621/local-funding requirements because it defines crimes. It becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval.

Who It Affects

• Public servants: gain an expedited removal process for false instruments filed against them and are protected by new criminal provisions that apply to wrongdoing by others regarding public-record filings.
• Individuals or entities that file or attempt to file false instruments or to remove/alter recordings: face new criminal penalties (Class A or Class C felonies) for false filing or removal actions, and may be specifically liable when targeting public servants.

Key Provisions

• Creates crime of offering a false instrument for recording (Class A misdemeanor).
• Creates crime of falsely removing an instrument from recording (Class C felony).
• Creates crime of offering a false instrument for recording against a public servant (Class C felony).
• Allows expedited removal of a false instrument filed against a public servant to circuit court; if not heard within 45 days, may be heard by a magistrate; procedural rules apply.
• Defines public servant for purposes of these crimes (as in Section 13A-10-1).
• States the act is exempt from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines crimes; effective immediately.

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

Subjects

Alabama Cyber Technology Authority