Loading chat...
AL SB44
Bill
Status
Passed
4/20/2023
Primary Sponsor
Bobby Singleton
Click for details
AI Summary
- Amends Section 22-52-14 of the Code of Alabama 1975 regarding attorney fees in commitment proceedings.
- Attorney fees for advocates, guardians ad litem, and expert witnesses in commitment proceedings shall be set according to rates established by Section 15-12-21, with expert fees determined as reasonable by the probate judge.
- Allows attorney fees for advocates of the petitioner to include reasonable fees for consultation and petition preparation prior to appointment, subject to probate judge approval.
- Court costs are paid by the state general fund upon probate judge order, except when petition is denied (costs taxed against non-indigent petitioner or law enforcement/public officials), or when petition is granted (costs may be paid from committed person's estate if not indigent).
- Effective date is the first day of the third month following passage and Governor approval.
Legislative Description
Relating to court costs; to amend Section 22-52-14, Code of Alabama 1975; to further provide for an appointed attorney's compensation in a commitment proceeding.
Court costs, appointed attorney's compensation in commitment proceeding, further provided for
Last Action
Enacted
4/20/2023
Committee Referrals
Judiciary3/23/2023
Finance and Taxation General Fund3/7/2023
Full Bill Text
No bill text available