HB212 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Beckman

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Property, liens for professional services by attorneys and accountants directly related to ownership and operation, Sec. 35-11-210 am'd.

Summary

HB212 would let attorneys and accountants place a lien on property for professional services related to ownership and operation of buildings or improvements.

What This Bill Does

It adds a lien for attorneys and accountants for professional services directly related to ownership or operation of buildings or land improvements, based on a contract with the owner. The lien covers the building, improvements, and the land area, following the same extent rules as existing liens (the entire lot in a city or town, or one additional acre if not in a city). Legal services tied to real estate closings (sale, transfer, or mortgage) are explicitly not included in this lien. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Attorneys and accountants who provide professional services directly related to ownership or operation of buildings or improvements on land.
• Property owners or proprietors (and their agents) who contract for such professional services, as the property could be encumbered by these liens.

Key Provisions

• Creates a new lien for attorneys and accountants for professional services related to ownership/operation of buildings or land improvements, based on a contract with the owner.
• Lien extends to the building/improvements and the land area (entire lot in a city or town; or one acre if not in a city).
• Excludes legal services related to real estate closings from the lien.
• Maintains the existing mechanics’ lien framework for other construction-related labor and materials.
• Effective date: three months after passage and governor 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

Property, Real and Personal