Alabama House Bill HB85

Alabama 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/24
• Report Pass: 2/20/24
• Refer: 2/6/24
• Refer: 2/21/24
• Report Pass: 2/28/24

Caption

Marion County, creates service of process fee

Impact

Under HB85, the fee structure for service of process in Marion County will be standardized. Specifically, it mandates the collection of a $30 service fee per document for all civil and criminal processes, which will contribute to the newly established fund. The revenue generated will provide the county commission with the flexibility to use these funds for lawful purposes. However, it is stipulated that this new income will not replace existing revenue sources, thereby maintaining the financial stability of the county’s operations. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Summary

House Bill 85 aims to create a dedicated Service of Process Fund for Marion County, Alabama. The bill stipulates that the county commission will maintain an account for all transactions linked to this fund, which will be overseen by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts during audits. A notable feature of this bill is its provision for the county sheriff to contract with various entities for the service of process regarding legal documents, excluding arrest warrants. This signals an expansion of resource options for conducting legal services in the county, allowing for efficiency improvements.

Contention

While the specific discussions around the bill were not detailed in the accessible materials, legislation related to funding judicial processes often incites debate regarding the balance between adequate financial resources for the judicial system and the potential burden of additional fees on citizens. Some stakeholders may argue that while it aids in funding necessary services, it could disproportionately impact individuals who are already facing financial hardships. The clarity in the fee structure and assurance of fund usage at the discretion of the county commission may alleviate some concerns, but further discussions would likely center on the transparency and control of fund allocation.