This bill pertains to Baldwin County and seeks to amend Section 45-2-231.90 of the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically concerning the fees for service of process. The bill proposes an increase in the service of process fees collected by the clerk, sheriff, or other appropriate court officials in both the criminal and civil divisions of the district and circuit courts of Baldwin County. The current fee of thirty dollars ($30) per document is to be raised to fifty dollars ($50) per document. Additionally, a new provision is added to collect a service of process fee of fifty dollars ($50) for documents related to matters originating outside of Baldwin County.

The bill also modifies the distribution of the collected fees. Previously, three dollars ($3) of each fee was retained for the circuit clerk's fund or for juror compensation and mileage reimbursement. The amendment increases this amount to five dollars ($5) per fee. The remainder of the fees collected are to be remitted to the sheriff for deposit into the Sheriff's Service of Process Serving Fund. The sheriff may use these funds for various lawful purposes related to the operation of the sheriff's office, including office and jail operations, equipment purchases, salaries, training, and facility maintenance. The funds will not revert to the county's general fund at the end of the fiscal year. The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45-2-231
Engrossed: 45-2-231