HB248 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Jones

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Paul BeckmanAllen Farley

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Courts, circuit, district and small claims division, jurisdictional limits increased, contempt of court, maximum fine increased, Secs.12-11-30, 12-12-30, 12-12-31, 12-19-71, 12-19-72 am'd

Summary

HB248 raises district and circuit court monetary jurisdiction, expands the district court small claims limit, increases contempt fines, and updates filing fees to reflect the new limits.

What This Bill Does

It increases district court civil jurisdiction to cases up to $20,000 (exclusive of interest and costs). It provides that circuit court has jurisdiction over cases exceeding $20,000. It raises the small claims division limit to $5,000 or less. It increases contempt fines from $100 to $500. It revises filing fee statutes to reflect the new jurisdiction, but keeps the actual fee amounts the same as before the act's revisions. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved.

Who It Affects

• Civil litigants (plaintiffs and defendants) in Alabama who may see some cases move between district and circuit court or small claims based on the new monetary thresholds.
• People who file cases and pay filing fees (including small claims participants), as the filing fee structure and distribution are updated to match the new jurisdiction while preserving the fee amounts.

Key Provisions

• District court civil jurisdiction increased to $20,000 or less (exclusive of interest and costs).
• Circuit court civil jurisdiction for actions exceeding $20,000 (exclusive of interest and costs).
• Small claims division jurisdiction increased to $5,000 or less.
• Contempt fines increased to $500 (from $100).
• Filing fees and distribution revised to reflect new jurisdiction while keeping fee amounts the same as before the act's revisions.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after 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

Civil Procedure