SB14 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to marital and domestic relations; to amend Section 30-5-5, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for exemption from court costs and fees for certain actions related to protection orders.

Summary

SB14 would exempt a person who files a contempt motion after a protection order from paying court costs and filing fees.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 30-5-5 to remove court costs and filing fees for contempt motions related to a protection from abuse order. It also reaffirms no-cost provisions for filing, issuing, registering, modifying, enforcing, dismissing, withdrawing, or serving protection orders and for issuing witness subpoenas, though costs can still be charged to the defendant at the court’s discretion. Additionally, it clarifies that petition forms will be standardized and available through circuit clerks (without clerk help with completing forms), allows petitions to be filed by attorneys or self-represented plaintiffs, and strengthens privacy protections for plaintiffs’ personal information on public court documents.

Who It Affects

• Victims or alleged victims who file for protection orders and may also file contempt motions; these filings would be free of court costs and filing fees.
• Defendants in protection order cases, as the court may still assess costs against them at its discretion.
• Plaintiffs (or their attorneys) who file protection orders or contempt motions; they can use standardized petition forms and have options for representation.
• Individuals or groups protected by privacy provisions (e.g., shelter locations) who benefit from restricted disclosure of personal information on public court documents.

Key Provisions

• Adds exemption from court costs and filing fees for contempt motions filed after a protection order has been issued.
• Maintains no-cost provisions for filing, issuance/registration, modification, enforcement, dismissal, withdrawal, or service of protection orders, and for issuing witness subpoenas; costs may be charged to the defendant at the court’s discretion.
• Requires standardized petition forms to be available through circuit clerks; clerks may not assist applicants with completing forms or presenting their case.
• Allows petitioners to proceed with an attorney or self-representation; protects sensitive information by restricting certain personal details on public documents and permitting in-camera handling when needed to determine jurisdiction; permits alternative addresses if disclosure is necessary.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

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