HB231 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim HillRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Dependency proceedings, juvenile court, attorney to be appointed for a petitioner, respondent parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian to cases in which state has filed a petition, Sec. 12-15-305 am'd.

Summary

HB 231 would limit when a juvenile court can appoint an attorney in dependency cases to only situations where the state is a party, and allow the state to seek repayment of attorney fees.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill restricts court-appointed counsel to dependency cases in which the state has filed a petition or is otherwise a party. It maintains indigent thresholds for appointment but ties them to cases where the state is involved. It also authorizes the court to order repayment of attorney fees to the State of Alabama.

Who It Affects

• Petitioner and respondent parents, legal guardians, or legal custodians in dependency proceedings: their access to court-appointed counsel would be limited to cases where the state is a party to the proceeding, with indigent individuals still eligible for representation under those conditions.
• The State of Alabama (and taxpayers): potential to recoup attorney fees paid to appointed counsel from the parties involved.

Key Provisions

• Appoints counsel only in cases where the state has filed a petition or is a party to the dependency proceeding.
• Retains indigent defense provisions but ties them to the state's involvement in the case.
• Allows the court to recoup attorney fees by charging them to the appropriate party, payable to the State of Alabama.
• In cases where the state is a party and in termination of parental rights matters, requires informing the respondent of the right to counsel and appointing counsel if indigent.

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

Subjects

Court, Juvenile