HB357 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Ron Johnson
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Coosa Co., judge of probate, authorized to electronically record all documents, Sec. 45-19-82.50 am'd.
Summary: HB357 allows Coosa County's Judge of Probate to electronically record all probate documents and to archive older records digitally.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes the Judge of Probate to electronically record all documents filed with the probate office and to electronically archive previously recorded documents. It allows using optical storage or other computerized methods to store and index records, potentially replacing photocopies; archived records become official and can be certified and sold, with proceeds going to the county general fund. The judge must establish a policy on access to digitized records and ensure fees comply with existing law. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects
Coosa County Judge of Probate and probate office staff, who would implement and manage electronic recording, indexing, and archival processes.
Coosa County residents and surface record users, who would have access to digitized records, and may purchase copies or certifications with fees deposited to the county general fund.

Key Provisions
Authorizes electronic recording of all documents filed with the Coosa County Judge of Probate and electronic recording of previously recorded documents for archival purposes.
Requires a general register and indexing for instruments, with specific storage and archival methods allowed (optical storage or computerized methods) and potential discontinuation of photocopying.
Archived records become official records and may be certified and sold to the public; funds from copies and certifications go to the county general fund.
The judge must establish a policy on sale/access to digitized records and associated fees must comply with existing law.
Effective date: first day of the third month after passage and approval by the Governor.

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