SB157 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: J.T. WaggonerSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Incarceration, claims for wrongful incarceration, payments subject to legal fee not exceeding 25 percent of claim, Sec. 29-2-160 am'd.
Summary: SB157 caps legal fees for wrongful incarceration claims at 25% of the awarded amount and sets how payments are made and who can receive them.
What This Bill Does
It ensures payments for wrongful incarceration go to the pardoned or exonerated person and restricts who can receive payment for services. It limits attorney fees to 25% of the award, with the committee able to approve up to that amount and fees paid from the State General Fund. If the claimant dies before receiving the full award, any remaining money goes to the claimant's estate, and the right to apply ends at death (with estate provisions if an application was filed before death). It also states that the award cannot be reduced by state or subdivision expenses related to arrest or prosecution, and allows lump-sum or installment payments.

Who It Affects
Wrongfully incarcerated claimants, who would receive compensation directly (or via their estate) and face a 25% legal-fee cap.
Attornies representing claimants, who may seek up to 25% of the award for fees.
The State General Fund, which would pay approved attorney fees.
The estates of claimants, who may receive remaining compensation if the claimant dies before full payment or if an application was filed before death.

Key Provisions
Legal fees for claims shall not exceed 25% of the total payment to the claimant or their estate; attorneys may petition for and the committee may award up to 25%. Fees are paid from the State General Fund.
Payments may be made as a lump sum or installments, and must go to the pardoned or exonerated person (or their estate if applicable); no payment to others for services connected with collection.
If the claimant dies before full payment, the remaining amount goes to the estate; the right to apply ends at death, with estate eligibility if an application was filed before death.
No offset of compensation by state or subdivision expenses related to arrest, prosecution, or imprisonment.
Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after governor's 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: Incarceration