HJR495 Summary

• Creates the Interim Study Commission on Mechanics Lien to comprehensively review and overhaul Alabama's mechanics' and materialmen's lien statutes, which have remained largely unchanged since the late 1800s with only amendments in 1933 and 1990.

• Commission composed of 10 members including one state representative, one state senator, and representatives from general contractors, banks, concrete industry, law institute, title insurance, realtors, builders/contractors, and subcontractors.

• Commission shall study all facets of existing mechanics lien law related to real property and review all proposed legislation, with membership reflecting racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state.

• Commission must be convened within 60 days of enactment, with chair and vice chair elected at first meeting; commission must report findings and recommendations to Legislature by the fifth legislative day of the 2015 Regular Session.

• Total expenditures limited to $1,000, with legislative members entitled to compensation, per diem, and travel expenses as provided by law, but not when Legislature is in session or receiving other state payments for same dates.