HB348 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris BlackshearRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Russell County, probate recording fee, further provided

Summary

HB348 creates a Russell County probate recording fee to fund modernization of probate records, with an initial $5 fee (possible increase to $10) and two-year renewal cycles.

What This Bill Does

The bill requires a $5 recording fee for each instrument filed in the Russell County judge of probate's office and for each marriage license issued. The county commission can raise the fee up to $10 by resolution. Money collected goes into a dedicated account managed by the probate judge to modernize records; it cannot be used for general county operations unless the judge declares the funds excess, and the funds are subject to audit. The fee structure operates in two-year cycles with possible extensions by roll-call vote, and the act becomes effective October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Residents of Russell County who file probate instruments or obtain marriage licenses will pay the new recording fee (up to $10).
• The Russell County Probate Court (judge of probate) and the Russell County Commission, who collect, manage, authorize use of the funds, and oversee the two-year fee periods.

Key Provisions

• Establishes a $5 recording fee for each recordable instrument and for each marriage license; fee must be paid before recording or license issuance.
• County commission may raise the fee to up to $10 by resolution; funds are in addition to other required fees.
• Fees go into a dedicated probate modernization fund controlled by the judge of probate and may be spent to modernize probate records; not used for general operation unless excess is declared.
• Fees are levied by roll-call vote and are effective for two years, with possible two-year extensions; audit by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts; effective October 1, 2025.

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

Subjects

Russell County