HB410 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

John W. Rogers

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Class 1 municipalities, drivers license, suspension, prohibited for failure to pay fines, fees, or court costs if indigent, Sec. 32-5A-195 am'd.

Summary

HB 410 would stop the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency from suspending a driver's license just because someone can't pay a fine if a court has determined they are indigent, but only for convictions in Class 1 municipalities.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 32-5A-195 to prohibit suspending or revoking a driver's license solely for nonpayment of fines, penalties, fees, or court costs if the court has determined the driver is indigent. This restriction applies to convictions that occur in Class 1 municipalities. Other reasons for suspension or non-indigent cases would still follow existing law, and the change does not eliminate fines or other penalties entirely.

Who It Affects

• Drivers in Class 1 municipalities who owe fines or costs and are determined indigent by a court; their licenses cannot be suspended solely for nonpayment.
• The Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency and courts in Class 1 municipalities, who must apply this rule when handling license suspensions related to nonpayment by indigent drivers.

Key Provisions

• Adds provision (r) to Section 32-5A-195: for convictions occurring in a Class 1 municipality, the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency may not suspend or revoke a driver's license solely because of failure to pay a fine, penalty, fee, or court cost if the court determines the driver is indigent.
• The act changes how suspensions are handled, specifically tying the nonpayment protection to Class 1 municipality convictions.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after 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

Drivers' Licenses