SB447 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rusty Glover

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Professions and Businesses, licensed architect, professional engineers, or professional land surveyor, liens authorized for services rendered, work not begun

Summary

SB447 would let licensed architects, professional engineers, and professional land surveyors place a lien on a property for services even if work hasn’t begun, with a filing process and special lien priority.

What This Bill Does

The bill authorizes a lien by these professionals on the property for services rendered when work has not started. A written claim must be filed for registry with the county judge of probate within 90 days of the services; the lien is not effective against third parties until filing, but once filed it becomes a first lien and takes priority over later liens, privileges, or mortgages. The lien would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval, or when it otherwise becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Licensed architects, professional engineers, and professional land surveyors, who could place a lien on a property for services rendered even before any construction or work begins, provided they file a claim within 90 days.
• Property owners or landowners, whose property could be encumbered by such liens and would be subject to the claim once filed; lenders and other parties with later recorded liens or mortgages could be subordinated if they are recorded after the lien is filed.

Key Provisions

• Creates a lien against the property for architectural, engineering, or land surveying services rendered when work on the property has not begun.
• Requires a written statement of the claim to be filed for registry with the county judge of probate within 90 days of the services; the lien is not effective against third parties until filing, but after filing it becomes a first lien and is superior to any lien, privilege, or mortgage recorded later.
• Sets the lien’s effective date as the first day of the third month following passage and governor approval (or when it becomes law).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Civil Procedure