HB397 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Private Investigation Regulatory Act, to change the name of the regulatory act to Alabama Private Investigation and Process Server Regulatory Act, licensing and regulation of process servers, Secs. 34-25B-1, 34-25B-2, 34-25B-3, 34-25B-4, 34-25B-7, 34-25B-10, 34-25B-11, 34-25B-12, 34-25B-14, 34-25B-22, 34-25B-24, 34-25B-27 am'd.

Summary

HB397 renames the Private Investigation Regulatory Act, adds process servers to the regulatory scope, and establishes licensing, board oversight, and training rules for private investigators and process servers in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

The bill changes the act’s name to the Alabama Private Investigation and Process Server Regulatory Act and provides for licensing and regulation of process servers by the Alabama Private Investigation Board. It defines terms like felony, private investigator, and process server; requires licenses, background checks, and periodic exams; and requires licensees to carry identification cards. It creates a board fund supported by license fees and penalties, sets penalties for unlicensed practice and misconduct, and assigns disciplinary authority. It also outlines who can serve on the board (including investigators, process servers, a consumer representative, and legal professionals) and requires certified trainers for PI and process server training.

Who It Affects

• Private investigators and process servers in Alabama who would be required to obtain licenses, pass background checks, meet age requirements, and follow board regulations.
• Employers, associations, training providers, and other stakeholders (e.g., law firms, attorney representatives, and consumer groups) who interact with the board, provide training, or are subject to licensing and disciplinary rules.

Key Provisions

• Name change and expanded regulation: The act is renamed the Alabama Private Investigation and Process Server Regulatory Act and will regulate process servers through the board.
• Definitions and scope: Adds and defines private investigators, process servers, and related terms; excludes certain public employees and some professionals from licensing.
• Licensing and exams: Requires private investigators and process servers to be licensed, undergo background checks, meet age requirements, pass examinations, and obtain license IDs.
• Board structure and governance: Specifies the composition, appointment processes, terms, diversity goals, and disciplinary authority of the Alabama Private Investigation Board.
• Funding and administration: Establishes a dedicated fund for the board financed by fees and penalties; outlines budgeting and appropriation rules.
• Discipline and penalties: Allows license revocation for misconduct and imposes Class A misdemeanors for certain unlicensed or fraudulent practices; requires reporting of child abuse.
• Training certification: Requires certification of training providers and instructors; sets minimum experience requirements for trainers and assistant trainers.

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

Subjects

Private Investigation Board