SB275 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Roger Bedford, Jr.
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Fayette Co., judge of probate, special recording and indexing fees, Sec. 45-29-83.47 am'd.
Summary: SB275 raises Fayette County's special recording and indexing fee and expands what filings must pay it to improve the probate office's recording system.
What This Bill Does
The bill sets a five-dollar special recording and indexing fee for each item: cases filed in the probate court, real property or personal property instruments (and certain related filings), and marriage licenses or ceremonies handled by the judge of probate. The fee must be paid before filing or recording, in addition to all other required charges. Funds collected are deposited in a Fayette County bank and spent at the judge of probate's discretion to support an improved recording and indexing system, equipment, facilities, and office operations, with annual audits by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

Who It Affects
Residents and businesses that file documents in Fayette County probate court (cases, property instruments, incorporations, notary bonds, or name changes, and marriage licenses/ceremonies) who will pay the fee.
The Fayette County judge of probate, who collects the fee and oversees its use for office improvements.
The Fayette County probate office, which will use the funds for equipment, facilities, and operations.
The Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, which will audit the collected fees.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 45-29-83.47 to establish a five-dollar special recording and indexing fee per item.
Fees apply to: (1) each case filed in the probate court; (2) each eligible real property or personal property instrument, incorporation, notary bond, or name change filed for record; and (3) each marriage license issued or ceremony performed by the judge of probate.
The fee is in addition to all other fees and charges and must be paid before filing or recording.
Monies collected are deposited to a Fayette County bank and used by the judge of probate for an improved recording/indexing system, equipment, facilities, personnel, and operations, and are subject to audit by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts.
The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and 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: Fayette County