HB165 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Reed IngramRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Business entities, Sec. of State authorized to waive the Certificate of Existence fee for business entities under certain conditions, Sec. 10A-1-4.31 am'd.
Summary: HB165 allows the Secretary of State to waive the $25 Certificate of Existence fee for business entities during emergencies.
What This Bill Does
During a declared state of emergency, the Secretary of State may waive the $25 Certificate of Existence fee for business entities. The rest of the filing fee schedule remains in effect (formation, amendments, name reservations, etc.). This waiver could reduce fee revenue that funds the Secretary of State Entity Fund and related state accounts. The act takes effect immediately upon the governor's signature.

Who It Affects
Businesses and organizations that need a Certificate of Existence during emergencies could pay $0 instead of $25.
State and local government programs that rely on fee revenue (through the Secretary of State Entity Fund and related budgets) may see reduced revenues when waivers are used.
County governments funding from the $200 formation fee is not changed by the waiver, though overall fee income could be affected.

Key Provisions
Provision authorizing the Secretary of State to waive the Certificate of Existence fee ($25) for business entities during a declared state of emergency.
Maintains the existing fee schedule for other filings (e.g., certificate of formation $200, amendment $100, name reservations $25, etc.).
From the $200 formation fee, $100 is paid to the county treasurer for the county of the initial registered agent; 70% of the remaining funds go to the State General Fund.
The act becomes effective immediately upon the Governor's 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: Business and Commerce