LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY

The Alabama Legislature completed Days 24 and 25 of the 2025 Legislative Session this week, leaving only five possible meeting days remaining. This was a two-day session week, with multiple committee meetings held on Wednesday and Thursday. As expected, this late in the session, there was a significant drop in the introduction of new bills, since it takes a minimum of five legislative days for a bill to pass. To date, 615 bills have been introduced in the House of Representatives and 346 in the Senate.

As is typical in the final stretch of a session, debate and contention intensified, often clashing with the desire to accomplish key legislative goals. This week, the $12.1 billion Education Trust Fund budget passed its second House, and the $3.7 billion General Fund budget cleared its second committee, positioning both for potential final passage next week.

Among the bills considered in committee this week were measures to expand immunity for law enforcement officers and to extend the statute of limitations in child sex abuse cases. A bill codifying the current practice of allowing percentage-based cash bail also advanced out of committee.

A House Joint Resolution sponsored by Representative Jim Hill (HJR 163) passed both chambers unanimously. The resolution establishes a court cost commission, which aims to bring attention to the lack of uniformity in court costs and the growing use of these fees to fund non-judicial agencies and programs.

Another notable bill passed this week—SB 248—would expand judicial review of agency decisions under the Administrative Procedure Act.

There are many criminal justice-related bills under consideration. Please refer to the tracking below for a complete list. Any miscellaneous legislation may be found under the civil category.

As always, the Alabama State Bar encourages all members to be aware of legislation that may impact court costs and fees. Access to justice is a priority. Please be aware of advertisements that may be occurring for local bills and those that may already be filed to use the courts as a fundraiser for non-court entities. We encourage you to be informed and notify us as well.

LEGISLATIVE TRACKING

The Alabama State Bar provides legislative status reports concerning pending legislation that may be of interest to our members. The reports divide legislation into the following categories for your convenience: civil/general, court costs, criminal, domestic relations, elections ethics, and government relations (EEGR), judiciary, and tax.

You can find our comprehensive updated bill-tracking spreadsheet here.

Look Up A Specific Bill Here

LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR

The 2025 regular session of the Alabama Legislature will continue as follows:

• The Senate has adjourned until Tuesday, Apr. 29 at 2:00 p.m.
• The House has adjourned until Tuesday, Apr. 29 at 1:00 p.m.