HB451 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tommy Hanes
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Jackson Co., domestic violence cases, add'l court costs, proceeds distrib. to county commission for certain domestic violence shelters, Sec. 45-36-80.03 repealed
Summary: HB451 adds a $35 court cost in certain Jackson County domestic violence cases, with the proceeds funding certified DV shelters in the county and repealing an older DV costs provision.
What This Bill Does
The bill adds a $35 court cost in specified domestic violence cases in Jackson County courts. The collected funds are to be given to the Jackson County Commission or the local municipality to distribute to certified domestic violence shelters in Jackson County, with equal shares to shelters that annually submit certification and use the money only for shelter operation. It repeals the previous DV-related court cost provision (Section 45-36-80.03) and directs any undistributed costs from that section to be distributed under the new scheme, effective immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects
Defendants in specified Jackson County domestic violence cases who must pay the additional $35 court cost
Domestic violence shelters located in Jackson County that are certified and receive funding for operation
Jackson County Commission and local municipalities that receive and distribute the new funds
Court clerks and the courts (circuit, district, and municipal) that collect and remit the new court costs
Certification bodies and standards organizations referenced by the bill (shelters must be certified under Title 30 and meet Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence standards)

Key Provisions
Imposes a $35 court cost in specified domestic violence cases in Jackson County circuit, district, and municipal courts
Eligible offenses include DV in first/second/third degree, DV by strangulation, violation of a protective order, and final orders on petitions for protection from abuse
Proceeds are distributed to the Jackson County Commission (or municipality) to fund certified DV shelters in Jackson County; funds are divided equally among shelters that submit annual certification
Shelters must be certified under Chapters 6 and 7 of Title 30 and meet the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence standards; funds are used exclusively for shelter operation
Repeals Section 45-36-80.03 and directs undistributed costs from that section to be distributed under the new provision
Effective immediately after the Governor signs the act

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