SB74 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg AlbrittonSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Courts, district, small claims division, jurisdiction increased, filing fees remain as were before increased jurisdiction, Secs. 12-11-30, 12-12-31, 12-19-71, 12-19-72 am'd.

Summary

SB74 would raise the small claims division's maximum case value to $6,000 and keep filing fees at current levels.

What This Bill Does

Raises the small claims division jurisdiction from $3,000 to $6,000, allowing more cases to be filed in the smaller, simplified court track. Revises the related filing-fee statutes to reflect the new limit but does not change the actual fee amounts from their current levels. Updates the referenced sections (12-11-30, 12-12-31, 12-19-71, 12-19-72) to match the higher limit and its fee structure. Keeps the existing rules for small claims representation (cases may be filed with or without an attorney; if without, specific roles apply to partnerships and corporations).

Who It Affects

• Individuals, partnerships, and corporations with a civil claim of up to $6,000 can file in the district court's small claims division instead of the regular district court.
• Parties in small claims cases may appear with or without an attorney; if appearing without an attorney, partners or employees must represent partnerships and officers or full-time employees must represent corporations.
• Filing fees remain at current amounts and the funds collected (Fair Trial Tax Fund, State General Fund, Advanced Technology and Data Exchange Fund, and county general fund) continue to receive their specified shares.

Key Provisions

• Increase small claims division jurisdiction from $3,000 to $6,000 (district court).
• Amend sections 12-11-30, 12-12-31, 12-19-71, and 12-19-72 to reflect the higher limit and related fee structure while preserving the existing fee amounts and distribution.
• Retain small claims docket representation rules: cases may be filed with or without an attorney; non-attorney filers must meet specific representation requirements.
• Maintain fee distribution to Fair Trial Tax Fund, State General Fund, Advanced Technology and Data Exchange Fund, and county general fund as currently specified.

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

Subjects

Courts