HB703 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Blaine Galliher

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Bail bonds, fees collected by person issuing, fee paid upon adjudication of case, distrib. to Unified Judicial Systems, Solicitor's Fund, court clerks and sheriff

Summary

HB703 would create new bail bond fees and specify how the money from those fees is split among state and local funds.

What This Bill Does

It adds two new charges: a $35 filing fee on each bail bond (paid by the bondsman or signer) and a separate bail bond fee (3.5% of the bond’s face value, with minimums and maximums; $25 if released under certain conditions). Bonds for nonmoving traffic or speeding violations are exempt. The funds are distributed monthly to various funds: the $35 filing fee splits 10% to county sheriff’s or municipal funds, 45% to the court clerk’s fund, and 45% to the Solicitor’s Fund; the 3.5% bond fee splits 17 with to county general funds (Sheriff’s Fund/municipality), 35% to the court clerk’s fund, 35% to the Solicitor’s Fund, 20% to the State General Fund, and 10% to the Alabama Forensic Sciences Trust Fund. The fees are intended as additions to existing funding and are not replacements. Not guilty dispositions would not impose the fees, but other dispositions could allow fee assessment by agreement. If fees aren’t paid, a contempt fine of at least $500 applies. The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and requires auditing of the fee records.

Who It Affects

• Defendants who post bail (the bondee) would pay the 3.5% bond fee (with minimums/maxima and a possible $25 special-case fee) and may incur contempt fines if they do not pay.
• Bail bondsmen, sureties, and individuals who sign bail bonds would pay the $35 filing fee and, in most cases, the 3.5% bond fee; they are responsible for timely payment.

Key Provisions

• A $35 filing fee is added on each bail bond, paid by the bondsman or signer.
• A bail bond fee of 3.5% of the bond’s face value is added for misdemeanors (min $100, max $450) and felonies (min $150, max $750); a $25 fee applies for certain releases.
• Nonmoving traffic or speeding bonds are exempt from these fees.
• Distributions: 10% of the filing fee goes to county sheriff’s fund or municipality; 45% to court clerk’s fund; 45% to Solicitor’s Fund. For the 3.5% bond fee: 17 dollars to county general fund; 35% to court clerk’s fund; 35% to Solicitor’s Fund; 20% to State General Fund; 10% to Alabama Forensic Sciences Trust Fund.
• Fees are in addition to existing funds and do not replace current funding.
• Not guilty dispositions do not impose the fees; other dispositions may allow fee assessment by agreement.
• Failure to pay the fees can result in contempt of court with a fine of at least $500.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and its fee records are subject to audit.

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

Subjects

Bail Bonds