SB47 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Civil actions, expedited, when damages do not exceed $50,000, Supreme Court to implement rules regarding

Summary

SB47 requires Alabama's Supreme Court to create guidelines to expedite civil actions in circuit courts when the total amount in controversy is $50,000 or less.

What This Bill Does

It directs the Supreme Court to adopt guidelines that promote fast, efficient, and cost-effective resolution of qualifying civil actions. The guidelines must apply to circuit court cases where the total claims (including all damages, penalties, attorney's fees, expenses, costs, interest, and other damages) do not exceed $50,000, and they must address reducing discovery costs and ensuring these actions are expedited. The guidelines may not conflict with domestic relations, property, or tax law. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Plaintiffs and defendants in circuit court civil actions with an amount in controversy of $50,000 or less, who would experience faster and potentially cheaper case handling.
• The Alabama Supreme Court and trial courts that would develop, adopt, and apply the expedited guidelines.

Key Provisions

• The Supreme Court shall adopt guidelines to promote prompt, efficient, and cost-effective resolution of civil actions.
• The guidelines must apply to circuit court civil actions where the amount in controversy (including all types of damages, penalties, attorney's fees, expenses, costs, interest, etc.) does not exceed $50,000 and must address lowering discovery costs and expediting procedures.
• Guidelines may not conflict with domestic relations and family law, property law, or tax law.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and governor approval.

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