HB562 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jeff SorrellsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Geneva Co., service of process on out-of-state cases, sheriffs fee, set by county commission, distrib. to sheriff's office

Summary

Geneva County creates a service-of-process fee (up to $100) for out-of-state court documents served by the Sheriff's Office, with the money placed in a dedicated fund to support sheriff operations.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds a service-of-process fee not to exceed $100 for each document requiring personal service by the Geneva County Sheriff for cases in courts outside Alabama, with the exact amount set by the county commission. The clerk collects the fee and deposits it into the Geneva County Sheriff's Service of Process Fee Fund, which is used to support sheriff operations like vehicles, equipment, and technology, and is separate from the sheriff's regular budget. A hardship waiver is allowed if payment would cause substantial hardship, requiring a verified statement approved by the court. The act applies only to Geneva County and becomes effective on the first day of the month after it passes and is approved by the governor.

Who It Affects

• Individuals or entities that need personal service of process on out-of-state court documents; they would be charged up to $100 per document and may qualify for a hardship waiver.
• Geneva County Sheriff's Office, Geneva County Commission, and court clerks; they collect, manage, and administer the new fund to support sheriff operations and ensure the fee does not replace existing funding.

Key Provisions

• A service-of-process fee not exceeding $100 shall be collected for service or attempted service of process on documents requiring personal service by the sheriff for matters in courts outside Alabama; the exact amount is set by the county commission.
• A Geneva County Sheriff's Service of Process Fee Fund is created to supplement the sheriff's budget and may be used for law enforcement vehicles, communication equipment, and other technology.
• The clerk of the court (or designee) collects the fee and distributes it to the Fund, which is held and administered by the Geneva County Commission; a hardship waiver may be approved if the court finds payment would create a substantial hardship.
• The Fund is separate from the sheriff's budget and shall not diminish or offset the sheriff's authorized budget or other income.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the month following its 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

Geneva County