SB132 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew JonesSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

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

Summary

Cherokee County creates a $25 service-of-process fee for sheriff-served documents and for out-of-state actions, with proceeds going to the Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Fund.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds two $25 fees: one for personal service of process by the sheriff or deputies in Cherokee County courts, and one for service of documents in actions arising outside Alabama. The court clerk collects these fees and distributes them to the Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Fund. The fee can be waived if the court finds a substantial hardship, based on a verified statement. Exemptions apply to the district attorney, law enforcement, and grand juries. The provision applies only to Cherokee County and becomes effective the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Individuals or organizations involved in Cherokee County court cases (including those with actions outside the state) who would be charged a $25 service-of-process fee per document or service.
• Cherokee County government entities, including the Clerk’s Office (which collects the fee) and the Sheriff’s Office (which receives the proceeds into the Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Fund); districts or offices such as the district attorney, general law enforcement, and grand juries are exempt from paying the fee.

Key Provisions

• Imposes a $25 service-of-process fee for personal service of process by the sheriff or deputy in the District Court, Circuit Court, Family Court, and Juvenile Court of Cherokee County.
• Imposes a separate $25 service-of-process fee for service of papers in actions outside Alabama (civil or criminal).
• The court clerk collects these fees and distributes them to the Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Fund (Section 45-10-232, Code of Alabama 1975).
• Fees may be waived if the court finds a substantial hardship, based on a verified hardship statement signed by the requester and approved by the court.
• District attorney, law enforcement, and grand juries are exempt from paying these fees.
• Applies only to Cherokee County.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month following 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

Cherokee County