HJR490 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Marcel Black

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Interm Study Commission on Mechanics Lien, established

Summary

Establishes an Interim Study Commission on Mechanics' and Materialmen's Lien Law to study and overhaul Alabama's lien rules.

What This Bill Does

Creates a 10-member Interim Study Commission, including a House representative, a Senate member, and representatives from contracting, banking, concrete industries, law, title insurance, real estate, builders/contractors, and subcontractors. The commission will study all aspects of mechanics liens on real property, review current law and proposed legislation, and develop a comprehensive overhaul. It must convene within 60 days of enactment, elect a chair and vice chair at the first meeting, report its findings to the Legislature by the fifth legislative day of the 2015 Regular Session, and then dissolve. Members receive per diem and travel expenses funded by the Legislature, with total expenditures capped at $5,000, and legislative members cannot receive extra pay during sessions or for other state work. The membership must be inclusive and reflect diversity across race, gender, geography, urban/rural status, and economic background.

Who It Affects

• State lawmakers (House and Senate) who will serve on the Commission and influence the study and recommendations.
• Construction and related industry professionals and associations named in the bill (general contractors, bankers, concrete industry, title insurers, realtors, builders/contractors associations, subcontractors association) who will provide expertise and may be affected by potential changes to the lien law.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Interim Study Commission on Mechanics' and Materialmen's Lien Law with 10 specified members including a House representative, a Senate member, and industry and professional group representatives.
• Tasks the commission with studying all facets of mechanics liens on real property, reviewing existing law, and considering proposed legislation to develop a comprehensive overhaul.
• Requires convening within 60 days of enactment, election of a chair and vice chair at the first meeting, and setting regular meeting dates.
• Requires a report of findings to the Legislature no later than the fifth legislative day of the 2015 Regular Session, after which the commission is dissolved.
• Provides per diem and travel expenses to members from legislative funds, with total expenditures capped at $5,000; legislative members receive no additional pay during sessions or for overlapping duties.
• Requires the commission's membership to reflect diversity in race, gender, geography, urban/rural status, and economic background.
• Allows clerical assistance to the commission from the Senate Secretary and House Clerk as needed.

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

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative