SB141 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bryan Taylor

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Publication of conviction for certain driving under the influence offenses, fees, immunity for publication of notice

Summary

SB141 would require court clerks to publish a notice with a photo for repeat DUI convictions within five years, charge a $25 fee, and grant immunity to clerks and publishers for good-faith publications.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill requires the clerk of the court to publish a notice of conviction for a second or subsequent DUI within five years. The notice must include a photograph and be published in a general-circulation newspaper in the offender's county of residence (or the county of conviction for nonresidents), in the second week after conviction or as soon as possible, and it must also be posted on the newspaper’s website if they operate one. The convicted person must pay a $25 publication fee, added to the conviction costs, and the clerk and publisher receive immunity from civil or criminal liability for good-faith publication.

Who It Affects

• DUI offenders convicted for a second or subsequent time within five years, who must have their conviction published with a photograph and pay a $25 fee.
• Clerks of court and newspaper publishers, who are responsible for publishing the notice, potentially posting online, collecting the fee, and who receive civil/criminal immunity for good-faith publications.

Key Provisions

• Clerks must publish a notice of conviction for a second/subsequent DUI within five years.
• Publication must be in a newspaper of general circulation in the offender's county of residence (or the conviction county for nonresidents).
• Notice must be published in the second week after conviction or as soon as publication is possible.
• If a newspaper has its own website, the notice must also be posted online at no extra charge.
• Notice content includes a photograph, name, city and county of residence, arrest date/time/place, and final disposition.
• Offenders must pay a $25 publication fee, added to the conviction costs, and the fee goes to the clerk.
• Clerks and publishers are immune from civil/criminal liability for erroneous publications if done in good faith.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage/approval or once it becomes law.

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

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses