SB217 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg AlbrittonSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Courts, Alabama Court Cost Commission, established, const. amend.

Summary

A constitutional amendment to create the Alabama Court Cost Commission to review and regulate court costs.

What This Bill Does

It would establish the Alabama Court Cost Commission, define its membership and leadership, and require the commission to review all existing court cost laws to determine if they are reasonably related to the court system and the work done to adjudicate cases, then recommend changes to those laws. It would prohibit introducing new or amended court costs unless the proposal is first submitted to the commission for review. The commission would also review proposed legislation and report findings to the Legislature, and the amendment would require voter approval to take effect.

Who It Affects

• Legislators and the court system: must submit proposed new or modified court costs to the Commission and consider its recommendations.
• Court users and taxpayers: any future court costs would be reviewed to ensure they are related to court operations and the work performed, potentially influencing cost amounts.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Alabama Court Cost Commission and specifies its diverse membership, chaired by the Chief Justice, with appointments from legislative committees, courts, clerks, and the bar.
• Defines 'court cost' as money charged by a court for filing, processing, or other action, excluding probate costs, restitution, and punitive fines.
• Directs the Commission to review all existing court cost laws to determine if costs are reasonably related to the court system and the work expended, and to recommend amendments, repeals, or no change.
• Prohibits introducing new or amended court costs unless the proposal is submitted in writing to the Commission (and relevant officials) at least 30 days before the session, with the Commission required to report its findings.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments