SB36 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 12-19-70 to establish that pleadings accompanying a verified statement of substantial hardship shall be considered filed on the date the hardship statement is filed with the court.

• Requires the court to make a written finding if it determines a party claiming hardship has sufficient resources to pay the docket fee without substantial hardship.

• Gives parties 30 days to submit docket fee payment after a court denial of hardship; failure to pay results in case dismissal for lack of jurisdiction.

• Requires the court to stay proceedings and prevent summons or process service issuance until the docket fee is paid.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and gubernatorial approval or upon otherwise becoming law.