HB 521

Relating to Russell County; providing for additional costs and charges in all domestic violence cases in the circuit, district, and municipal courts; and providing for the distribution of the proceeds to operate a domestic violence shelter.

Section 1

In addition to all other costs and charges in circuit, district, and municipal court cases in Russell County, there shall be levied and assessed a court cost of twenty-five dollars ($25) against the defendant in all domestic violence cases, violation of protection from abuse cases, stalking cases, or any other case which is determined by the judge to be a domestic violence case. Unless remitted by the court, upon conviction or dismissal, the clerk of each court listed above shall collect the court costs and shall remit the proceeds quarterly to the Russell County Commission, which shall place the monies in a designated domestic violence account. These funds shall be dispersed quarterly to support the operation of the domestic violence shelter at the Crisis Center of Russell County, provided that the shelter is in compliance with the prevailing standards for operation set forth by the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Section 2

This act shall become effective immediately following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.