SB157 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Cam Ward
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Eminent domain proceedings, costs, condemnation proceedings filed by Dept. of Transportation, the department pays condemnee's reasonable attorney fees, appraisal and engineering costs if final award is 20 percent or higher than department's offer, Sec. 18-1A-293 am'd.
Summary: SB157 would require the Alabama Department of Transportation to pay a condemnee's reasonable attorney, appraisal, and engineering fees when the final eminent domain award exceeds the department's last offer by 20% or more.
What This Bill Does
In DOT condemnation cases, if the final award (excluding interest) is at least 20% higher than the DOT's last written offer, the department must reimburse the condemnee's reasonable attorney, appraisal, and engineering fees. The condemnee must file a petition for fees within 30 days of the final court order, and the court will hold a hearing to determine the amount. The bill amends existing law to add this requirement and becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects
Condemnees (property owners) in DOT condemnation actions would be eligible to receive reimbursement for reasonable attorney, appraisal, and engineering fees if the final award exceeds the last DOT offer by 20%.
The Department of Transportation would be responsible for paying those reimbursed fees in eligible cases, potentially increasing its costs in high-value condemnations.

Key Provisions
In DOT condemnation actions, if the final award (excluding interest) exceeds the last written offer by 20 percent, the department must pay the condemnee's reasonable attorney, appraisal, and engineering fees.
The condemnee must submit a petition for a fee award within 30 days of the court's final order, and the court must hold a hearing to determine the amount.
The act amends Section 18-1A-293 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to include these fee reimbursement provisions for DOT condemnation actions.
The act becomes effective immediately following its 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: Eminent Domain