SB233 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Ben H. Brooks
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2012
Title: Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, allows litigants to depose individuals and conduct discovery in a state other than the trial state
Summary: Alabama SB233 creates the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, allowing out-of-state litigants to obtain depositions and discovery in Alabama by using a foreign subpoena issued in their state.
What This Bill Does
If passed, the act lets litigants from another state depose people and gather evidence in Alabama. They can submit a foreign subpoena to a circuit court clerk in the Alabama county where discovery is sought, and the clerk will issue an Alabama subpoena for service. The Alabama subpoena must mirror the foreign subpoena, include counsel contact details, and inform the recipient of the right to object within 15 days. The act applies to cases filed after January 1, 2013, and Alabama rules govern subpoenas and enforcement, with protective orders handled in Alabama courts.

Who It Affects
Out-of-state litigants who want to depose individuals or obtain discovery in Alabama (they can use a foreign subpoena and have a clerk issue an Alabama subpoena).
Individuals, businesses, or other entities in Alabama who may be subpoenaed (they must respond under Alabama rules, and may be subject to objections and enforcement actions in Alabama courts).

Key Provisions
Allows a party in a foreign jurisdiction to submit a foreign subpoena to an Alabama circuit court clerk, who shall issue an Alabama subpoena for service in the state.
Requires the Alabama-issued subpoena to incorporate the foreign subpoena's terms, include counsel contact information, and clearly state the recipient's right to object within 15 days; it also specifies fee setting by the Administrative Office of Courts and that Alabama procedural rules apply, including handling of protective orders and enforcement in Alabama courts.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act