HB189 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matt Fridy

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

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

Summary

HB189 increases penalties for attorneys who solicit or procure clients and expands who can be charged, while stating it does not trigger local-funding approval requirements.

What This Bill Does

Raises the fines for attorney solicitation from up to $1,000 to up to $10,000 and increases possible imprisonment from six months to one year; maintains removal and disbarment from practicing law. Expands the scope to include attorneys, law firms or partnerships, and intermediaries who search for or procure clients or solicit business, plus those who receive compensation for these services. Includes a clause asserting the bill does not require local funding approvals under Amendment 621 because it defines a new or amended crime. Takes effect on the first day of the third month after the governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects

• Attornies, law firms, and partnerships in Alabama that solicit or procure clients or place demands for action, who could face higher fines, possible imprisonment, and disbarment upon conviction.
• Third parties or individuals who are hired to solicit, search for, procure clients, or who receive compensation for these services, who could face criminal penalties.

Key Provisions

• Amends §§34-3-24 and 34-3-25 to raise penalties for illegal client solicitation and compensation arrangements (fine up to $10,000; imprisonment up to one year; disbarment for attorneys).
• Extends coverage to include attorney firms, partnerships, and intermediaries who recruit clients or solicit business for attorneys.
• Makes clear that receiving compensation for services to seek out or place a demand for action against another is itself a crime with increased penalties.
• Declares the bill does not require local funding approval under Amendment 621 because it creates or amends a crime, thus excluding it from that requirement.
• 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

Attorneys