HB151 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

David FaulknerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

District courts, jurisdictional limit increased, filing fees and docket fees revised, Secs. 12-11-30, 12-12-30, 12-19-71, 12-19-72 am'd.

Summary

HB151 raises the district court's civil jurisdiction to cases up to $15,000 and makes the circuit court the exclusive venue for matters over $15,000, while updating the filing-fee structure to match the new limits.

What This Bill Does

The bill increases district court civil jurisdiction to include all cases with a controversy up to $15,000. It gives the circuit court exclusive jurisdiction for cases exceeding $15,000. It revises the filing fees and how they are distributed to funds to reflect the new court roles. It takes effect on October 1, 2016.

Who It Affects

• Civil litigants filing in Alabama district or circuit courts, as the amount in controversy will determine which court hears the case and which fees apply.
• State and local governments and taxpayers who fund court operations, because the filing-fee schedule and distributions to funds change.

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: Amends Sections 12-11-30 and 12-12-30 to set district court civil jurisdiction at up to $15,000 and provide circuit exclusive jurisdiction for matters over $15,000.
• Provision 2: Amends Sections 12-19-71 and 12-19-72 to revise the civil filing-fee amounts and how those fees are allocated among funds to align with the new jurisdiction.
• Provision 3: Establishes an effective date of October 1, 2016.

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