HB493 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Harry Shiver
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2020
Title: Monroe Co., circuit and district court cases, add'l court costs, distrib.
Summary: HB493 adds a $10 additional court cost in Monroe County courts and directs the funds to courthouse security.
What This Bill Does
Adds an extra $10 court cost in all civil and criminal cases, including traffic, in Monroe County's district, circuit, and juvenile courts. The collected money goes to the Monroe County Commission to be used for courthouse security. Judges can waive or reduce the fee for individuals who show substantial financial hardship. The act applies only in Monroe County and should not replace existing funds for the office of the presiding circuit judge; it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects
Residents and others involved in civil, criminal, or traffic cases in Monroe County courts would pay the additional $10 court cost.
Monroe County government (Monroe County Commission) and the courthouse security system would receive and manage the new funding.

Key Provisions
Section 1: Applies only in Monroe County.
Section 2: Adds a $10 additional court cost in all civil and criminal cases, including traffic, in the district, circuit, and juvenile courts of Monroe County.
Section 3: The additional costs are paid to the Monroe County Commission and earmarked for security at the Monroe County Courthouse.
Section 4: Judges may waive or remit the costs upon sworn and valid showing of substantial financial hardship.
Section 5: The additional costs shall not diminish or replace any other source of funds for the office of the presiding circuit judge.
Section 6: The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Monroe County