AL SB74

Amends Section 15-12-21 of the Alabama Code to increase the maximum fee for guardians ad litem representing children in juvenile dependency cases from $2,500 to $5,000.

Allows trial courts to waive the $2,500 fee limit with approval from the indigent defense director for good cause shown in juvenile dependency cases.

Requires trial courts to enter a written order specifying the factors considered when certifying fees exceeding $2,500, with a cap of $5,000 total.

Maintains the existing $2,500 fee limit for all other juvenile cases and preserves no-limit fees for capital offense cases and life-without-parole cases.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.