SB217 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Alabama Court Cost Commission with nine members including legislative representatives, Supreme Court justices, judges, court administrators, and a State Bar member.

• Requires the commission to review all existing court cost laws to determine if costs are reasonably related to court system operations and if amounts are proportionate to actual court expenditures.

• Mandates the commission provide recommendations to the Legislature on whether existing court cost laws should be amended, repealed, or left unchanged.

• Prohibits introduction of legislation proposing new or modifying existing court costs unless first submitted to the commission in writing at least 30 calendar days before the legislative session begins.

• Requires the commission to submit its findings report on proposed court cost legislation to the House Clerk and Senate Secretary by the third legislative day of each session.