HB751 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy Davis

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Harry ShiverJoe FaustAlan BakerSteve McMillan

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Baldwin Co., court costs in circuit and district court, deposit in Law Library and Judicial Administration Fund, expiration extended, Sec. 45-2-80.87 am'd.

Summary

HB751 would add an extra per-case court cost in Baldwin County to fund the County Law Library and Judicial Administration Fund, with expiration and adjustment rules.

What This Bill Does

It would amend Section 45-2-80.87 to authorize an additional court cost on every civil and criminal case (including traffic and small claims) filed in Baldwin County's circuit, district, and juvenile courts, excluding municipal courts. The added cost would be collected per case and deposited into the Baldwin County Law Library and Judicial Administration Fund to help pay court salaries and support court operations, and for other lawful uses of the fund. The extra cost would expire on September 30, 2015, with the possibility of repeal; the presiding circuit court judge could adjust or eliminate the cost if state funding changes. The presiding judge could increase or decrease the cost within the authorized amount as needed, and the cost would only be waived if all other fees, assessments, costs, fines, and charges are waived. The act becomes effective immediately upon the governor's approval.

Who It Affects

• Residents and litigants in Baldwin County who file civil or criminal cases (including traffic and small claims) in Baldwin County circuit, district, and juvenile courts (municipal courts are excluded) who would pay the new per-case cost.
• Baldwin County Law Library and Judicial Administration Fund and Baldwin County court employees who would receive funding from these fees to support salaries and court operations.

Key Provisions

• Imposes an additional per-case court cost on each civil and criminal case filed in Baldwin County circuit, district, and juvenile courts, excluding municipal courts, to fund the Baldwin County Law Library and Judicial Administration Fund.
• The per-case amount is specified in the bill as up to $40.50, with mechanisms for potential adjustments by the presiding judge within the authorized range (and the possibility to eliminate the fee if state funding changes).
• Funds collected are deposited into the Baldwin County Law Library and Judicial Administration Fund to pay salaries of court employees and support the operation of the courts and other lawful purposes of the fund.
• The additional costs expire on September 30, 2015, after which the section would be repealed unless extended or renewed by law; the presiding judge can adjust or eliminate the costs based on funding availability.
• The presiding circuit court judge has authority to increase or decrease the costs within the authorized amount as deemed necessary.
• The fees cannot be waived by the court unless all other fees, assessments, costs, fines, and charges related to the case are waived.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective immediately after it is approved by the Governor.

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

Subjects

Baldwin County