HB506 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ginny ShaverRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Collectible items, sports memorabilia, art, etc., represented as authentic, recovery of purchase price if not authentic, civil actions, damages

Summary

HB506 creates a civil remedy for buyers of collectibles who are sold items represented as authentic but later found not authentic.

What This Bill Does

It would allow a consumer to recover the full purchase price plus a 10% penalty if they can prove the item was sold based on a false representation of authenticity. It authorizes civil actions to enforce these rights and lets plaintiffs recover court costs, reasonable attorney's fees, interest, and expert witness fees. It also limits the bill’s applicability by excluding barter/trade and transactions between dealers from its protections.

Who It Affects

• Consumers who purchase autographed or other collectibles from dealers and could seek recovery of their purchase price plus a 10% penalty if the item is not authentic.
• Dealers who sell collectibles and make authenticity representations, who could face civil lawsuits, penalties, and potential recovery of costs if they misrepresent authenticity.

Key Provisions

• Defines authentic representations and various types of collectibles covered by the act (autographed items, entertainment media items, historical artifacts, memorabilia, sports items).
• Allows a consumer to recover the full purchase price plus a 10% penalty within three years if evidence shows the item is not authentic.
• Authorizes civil actions to enforce the act and permits recovery of court costs, reasonable attorney's fees, interest, and expert witness fees.
• Excludes barter/trade transactions and dealer-to-dealer sales from the act's protections; clarifies dealer and pawnbroker definitions in scope.
• Provides that the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and Governor approval (or when it becomes law otherwise).

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

Subjects

Consumers and Consumer Protection