HB236 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Nathaniel LedbetterRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Cherokee Co., service of process fee, charged for service of documents by sheriff

Summary

HB236 creates two new $25 service-of-process fees in Cherokee County for sheriff service of documents, directs the funds to go to the Sheriff's Law Enforcement Fund, and adds hardship and certain exemptions.

What This Bill Does

It adds a $25 fee for personal service of documents by the sheriff in Cherokee County courts, and another $25 fee for service in actions started outside Alabama. The court clerk collects these fees and distributes them to the Sheriff's Law Enforcement Fund. There is a hardship exemption if payment would cause substantial hardship, and certain groups (the district attorney, law enforcement personnel, and grand juries) are exempt from paying the fee. The measure applies only to Cherokee County and becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Residents and entities needing service of process in Cherokee County will pay a $25 fee per document served by the sheriff (and for out-of-state actions).
• Cherokee County courts and the Sheriff’s Department will collect the fees and deposit them into the Sheriff's Law Enforcement Fund; exemptions apply to the district attorney, law enforcement, and grand juries.

Key Provisions

• Adds a service of process fee of $25 for personal service of documents by the sheriff or deputy in Cherokee County courts (District, Circuit, Family, and Juvenile).
• Adds a service of process fee of $25 for service of papers or documents arising from actions outside the State of Alabama.
• Clerks collect the fees and distribute them to the Sheriff's Law Enforcement Fund (Section 45-10-232).
• A hardship exception allows the fee to be waived if the court finds substantial hardship, based on a verified statement signed by the person requesting service and approved by the court.
• Exempts the district attorney, law enforcement, and grand juries from paying the fees.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor approval (or as otherwise becomes law).

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

Subjects

Cherokee County