SB78 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Class action lawsuits filed in Alabama, plan for undistributed funds to be distributed to Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Department if class members cannot be located, or if distribution to class is not economically feasible, or if class members do not make a claim to the class funds

Summary

SB78 would require any leftover funds from Alabama class action settlements that create a common fund to be distributed to the Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention under a court-approved plan.

What This Bill Does

In Alabama class actions that create a common fund, the court must establish a specific plan for how any residual funds will be distributed to the Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention. Residual funds are money that remains undistributed because class members can't be located, direct distribution to individuals isn't economically feasible, or after the time period set by the court. All such residual funds must go to the Department according to that plan. The act would take effect immediately after the Governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects

• Class members in Alabama class actions with a common fund—leftover money would go to the Department instead of being distributed to them.
• The Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention would receive residual funds from these class actions under the plan established by the court.

Key Provisions

• Section 1: Any Alabama-class-action with a common fund must establish a plan for distributing residual funds to the Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention.
• Section 2: Defines residual funds and requires all such funds to be distributed to the Department consistent with the plan.

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