This bill pertains to Baldwin County and seeks to amend Section 45-2-231.90 of the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically to increase the service of process fees. The bill outlines that the Baldwin County Sheriff Service of Process Serving Fund, referred to as the fund, will be affected by these changes. The amendments include an increase in the service of process fee from thirty dollars ($30) to fifty dollars ($50) per document in both the criminal and civil divisions of the district and circuit courts of Baldwin County. Additionally, a new provision is added to collect a service of process fee of fifty dollars ($50) for documents originating outside of Baldwin County, which will also be paid into the fund.

The bill also modifies the amount retained by the court official from each fee, increasing it from three dollars ($3) to five dollars ($5), which is to be deposited into the circuit clerk's fund for the operation of the office of circuit clerk or for juror compensation or mileage reimbursement. The remaining 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 other law enforcement and corrections enhancements. 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