SB157 Summary

• Amends Section 29-2-160 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to cap legal fees and expenses for wrongful incarceration compensation claims at 25 percent of the total award to the claimant.

• Allows attorneys representing claimants before the committee to petition for legal fees not exceeding 25 percent of the amount awarded, with the committee having discretion to approve such fees.

• Requires legal fees to be paid from the State General Fund rather than deducted from the claimant's compensation.

• Permits a claimant's estate to receive remaining compensation if the claimant dies before receiving the full award amount.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor (passed 30-0 on March 6, 2014).