HB444 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joe Hubbard

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Montgomery Co., service of process fees for civil or criminal documents increased, exceptions

Summary

HB444 would let Montgomery County contract for service of process and add a $30 per-document fee for civil and criminal cases, with exemptions, directing the funds to the county general fund.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the Montgomery County Commission, with the sheriff's agreement, to contract with private or public entities to provide service of process in Montgomery County. It adds a new $30 per-document fee for service or attempted service in both criminal and civil cases, with a hardship exemption. The collected fees are to be paid to the county general fund through the designated court official, and certain groups (district attorney, law enforcement, grand juries) are exempt from paying. The act applies only to Montgomery County and becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

Who It Affects

• People involved in civil or criminal cases in Montgomery County who would pay a new $30 per-document service fee (with possible hardship exemption).
• Montgomery County government and court administration (County Commission, sheriff, and designated court officials) who would collect the fee, manage the funds, and may contract for the service of process.

Key Provisions

• Section 1: This act applies only to Montgomery County.
• Section 2: With the sheriff's concurrence, the Montgomery County Commission may contract with private, public, or governmental entities to provide service of process; service of warrants of arrest is excluded from this provision.
• Section 3(a): Adds a $30 service of process fee per document in criminal cases, in addition to existing charges.
• Section 3(b): Adds a $30 service of process fee per document in civil cases, in addition to existing charges.
• Section 3(c): The court official collects the new fee and remits it to the Montgomery County Commission to be deposited in the county general fund; a hardship waiver process is provided.
• Section 3(d): District attorneys, law enforcement, and grand juries are exempt from paying the new fees.
• Section 4: The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

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

Subjects

Montgomery County