AL HB255

Increases the service of process fee in Lawrence County District and Circuit Courts by $17.50 per document for locally originated cases, with the Circuit Clerk retaining $5 and the Sheriff's Office receiving the remainder for the Sheriff's Civil Process Fund.

Establishes a new $50 fee per document for out-of-state generated documents served by the sheriff's office, with all revenue deposited in the Sheriff's Civil Process Fund.

Defines "document" to include multiple papers served on a party or entity at one time and taxes all imposed charges as costs to parties in the action as determined by the presiding judge.

Authorizes the Lawrence County Sheriff to use funds generated by these fees for law enforcement purposes as the sheriff determines appropriate.

Ratifies and confirms any prior collection of service of process fees and use of funds before the act's effective date; becomes effective the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.