SB113 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Deceptive trade practices, action against violations must be brought within four years from the act, Sec. 8-9-14 am'd

Summary

SB113 would change the Deceptive Trade Practices Act filing deadline from one year to four years from the act or practice.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the deadline to sue for a violation of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act would be four years from the act or practice that constitutes the violation. The bill keeps a discovery rule, requiring filing within one year after discovery but no later than four years from the transaction date, with special rules for contracts or warranties longer than three years. The change would take effect on the first day of the third month after the bill becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Consumers or others who claim deceptive trade practices: a longer time window to file claims (up to four years) from the act or practice.
• Businesses and other defendants governed by the Deceptive Trade Practices Act: potentially longer exposure to liability, plus specific timing rules for long-term contracts or warranties.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 8-9-14 to set a four-year filing window from the act or practice that constitutes the violation.
• Preserves the discovery rule: action must be filed within one year after discovery, but no more than four years from the transaction date.
• If the contract or warranty lasts more than three years, the time limit is either one year after expiration or four years after discovery, whichever occurs first.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month 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

Civil Procedure