HB688 Summary

• Increases docket fees in circuit, district, and municipal courts: $45 for civil cases, $15 for small claims, $40 for criminal cases, and $26 for traffic cases (excluding parking violations and juvenile cases).

• Distributes docket fee revenue with two-thirds to State Judicial Administration Fund and one-sixth each to Presiding Circuit Judge's and Circuit Clerk's Judicial Administration Funds for court operations.

• Imposes bail bond fees including a $35 filing fee on all bonds and a percentage-based fee (3.5% of bond value, minimum $100-$150, maximum $450-$750) that varies by misdemeanor or felony offense.

• Distributes bail bond fees to sheriff's fund (10%), court clerk's fund (40-45%), district attorney/Solicitor's Fund (45%), and allocates portions to state general fund (5%) and Alabama Forensic Services Trust Fund (10%).

• Requires defendants to pay bail bond fees and allows contempt proceedings for non-payment; fees cannot be waived unless defendant proves inability to pay; act automatically repeals September 30, 2015 unless Legislature enacts alternative funding.