HB339 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve McMillan

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Dan Williams

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Local governmental entities, counties, municipalities and political subdivisions, employees included in definition of government entity, Sec. 11-93-1 am'd.

Summary

HB339 would include employees in the definition of 'governmental entity' for tort claims against local governments, expanding who qualifies as a government entity.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 11-93-1 to expressly include employees within the definition of 'governmental entity' for tort claims and judgments against local governments. It expands who is considered a governmental entity to include county and municipal hospital boards and county/city school boards when they do not operate as state functions. It defines 'employee' as anyone acting in an official capacity within the line and scope of their duties, including temporarily or permanently, in service of the governmental entity, but excludes independent contractors. It clarifies that a claim against an employee acting within the line and scope is a claim against the employing governmental entity, not the employee personally. The act is declaratory of existing law and becomes effective immediately after passage and approval.

Who It Affects

• Employees of local governmental entities (they are covered under the governmental entity for tort claims)

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 11-93-1 to include employees within the definition of 'governmental entity'.
• Adds county/city hospital boards and county/city school boards as governmental entities when not operating as functions of the State of Alabama.
• Defines 'employee' to include officers, officials, employees, or servants acting within the line and scope of official duties, temporary or permanent, in service of the governmental entity, with an explicit exception for independent contractors.
• Specifies that a claim against an employee acting within line and scope is a claim against the employing governmental entity, not the individual's personal capacity.
• States the act is declaratory of existing law and becomes effective immediately 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

Civil Procedure