HB306 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matt Fridy

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Attorneys, encouraging litigation, criminal penalties increased, Secs. 34-3-24, 34-3-35 am'd.

Summary

HB306 would raise penalties for attorneys who pay people to induce lawsuits and add penalties for those who accept payment to procure clients.

What This Bill Does

The bill changes two existing laws to prohibit lawyers from giving or promising money to someone to bring an action or to procure clients. If an attorney is found guilty, the penalty includes a misdemeanor conviction, a fine up to $10,000, possible disbarment, and imprisonment up to one year. It also creates a penalty for individuals who receive compensation from attorneys to seek out or place demands for actions, with a misdemeanor conviction, a fine up to $10,000, and possible imprisonment up to one year. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed and signed into law.

Who It Affects

• Atttorneys licensed in Alabama who give, offer, or promise money or valuable consideration to induce another person to bring an action or to procure clients.
• Individuals or entities who receive compensation from attorneys to seek out, procure, or place in the hands of an attorney a demand for action or business (i.e., those who help find clients).

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 34-3-24 to prohibit attorneys from giving or promising valuable consideration to induce action or to procure clients, with penalties including up to $10,000 fine, disbarment, and up to 1 year in jail.
• Amends Section 34-3-25 to prohibit receiving compensation from attorneys for seeking out or placing demands for action or business, with penalties including up to $10,000 fine and up to 1 year in jail.
• Effective date: becomes law on the 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

Attorneys