AL HJR163

Creates a Joint Interim Study Commission on Court Costs to study court costs throughout Alabama and recommend ways to make them more uniform and standardized across the state.

Commission membership includes legislative leaders (Chairs and ranking minority members of Ways and Means and Judiciary committees), the Chief Justice of Alabama, three circuit judges, one district judge, two district attorneys, three practicing attorneys, one circuit clerk, and representatives from county commissions and prosecution services.

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama serves as chair and must convene the first meeting within 30 days of resolution passage; commission may meet as necessary thereafter.

Legislative members receive compensation, per diem, and travel expenses according to Section 49 of the Alabama Constitution; non-legislative members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary meeting expenses.

Commission must deliver a report with proposed legislation recommendations to the Legislature by the fifth legislative day of the 2026 Regular Session, at which point it dissolves; all meeting notices, member names, and final reports must be provided to the Secretary of State.