AL HB378

Establishes the Alabama Uniform Foreign-Country Money Judgment Act to codify recognition of foreign-country money judgments under statutory law rather than common law doctrine of comity.

Applies to final, conclusive, and enforceable foreign-country judgments involving recovery of a sum of money, but excludes judgments for taxes, penalties, and domestic relations matters.

Courts shall recognize qualifying foreign-country judgments unless grounds for denial exist, including lack of impartial tribunals, lack of personal or subject matter jurisdiction, insufficient notice, fraud, or public policy violations.

Establishes procedures for recognition through original action or counterclaim/affirmative defense in pending actions, requiring a certified copy and English translation of the judgment.

Recognition actions must be commenced within 5 years from the date the foreign judgment became final, conclusive, and enforceable in the foreign country; recognized judgments are enforceable as if rendered in Alabama.