HB 377 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Alabama Court Cost Commission with nine members including representatives from the legislature, judiciary, court system, judges associations, court clerks, and the state bar.

• Requires the commission to review all existing court cost laws and determine if each cost is reasonably related to court system operations and if the amount charged is proportionate to adjudication expenses, with recommendations to the legislature.

• Prohibits introduction of legislation proposing new court costs or modifying existing court costs unless the proposed legislation is submitted in writing to the commission, House Clerk, and Senate Secretary at least 30 calendar days before the legislative session begins.

• Defines "court cost" as money charged by courts for civil, criminal, juvenile, or traffic cases, excluding probate court costs, restitution, and punitive fines.

• Amendment becomes effective upon approval by majority of qualified electors voting on the ballot measure, with election conducted per constitutional procedures and state election laws.