HB353 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Connie C. Rowe
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Appellate procedure, certain legislative entities and officers authorized to file amicus briefs in certain proceedings
Summary: HB 353 lets certain legislative leaders and staff file amicus briefs in appeals without court permission, using briefs prepared by the Legislative Services Agency.
What This Bill Does
Authorizes the Speaker of the House, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Chairs of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, or the Legislative Council to file an amicus curiae brief in an appeal without leave of court before the certificate of judgment is issued. Applies only to amicus briefs prepared and filed by the Legislative Services Agency staff and to matters coming before Alabama appellate courts on or after the act’s effective date. The act is intended to supersede conflicting appellate rules and is supplemental, not changing other rights or procedures.

Who It Affects
Legislative leaders (Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore of the Senate) and the Chairs of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, along with the Legislative Council, who can file amicus briefs in appeals without court permission.
Staff of the Legislative Services Agency who prepare the amicus briefs that qualify under this act, and matters before Alabama appellate courts after the act’s effective date.

Key Provisions
Section 1: Authorizes specified legislative leaders and the Legislative Council to file a brief of an amicus curiae in an appeal without leave of court, anytime before the court issues its certificate of judgment, but only for briefs prepared and filed by the Legislative Services Agency staff and for matters before Alabama appellate courts on or after the act’s effective date.
Section 2: States the Legislature’s intent to supersede any inconsistent appellate procedure rules adopted by the Alabama Supreme Court.
Section 3: Clarifies the act is supplemental and does not alter other procedural rights, privileges, or options for any party under existing law.
Section 4: Establishes that the act becomes effective immediately upon the Governor’s 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: Legislature