Judiciary panel gives favorable report to bill placing Alabama State Bar under judicial branch
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Summary
Judge Hill told the Senate Judiciary Committee HB149 would clarify that the Alabama State Bar and its rulemaking belong to the judicial branch; the committee voted to give the bill a favorable report (recorded Aye votes and two No votes).
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced HB149 on a favorable report after Judge Hill told members the bill clarifies that the Alabama State Bar and its rulemaking fall under the judicial branch of government.
"This bill clarifies that the rules of the bar are to be under the judicial branch of government," Judge Hill said, explaining that regulation of lawyers — including licensing, discipline and removal — is properly handled by the bar and judicial authorities. He cited past instances in which private entities attempted to impose rules on lawyers, saying that such regulation should not come from title or insurance companies.
A motion for a favorable report was made and seconded; a roll call recorded Aye votes by Senator Albritton, Senator Bell, Senator Cornley, Senator Elliott, Senator Figures, Senator Orr, Senator Smitherman, Senator Weaver and Senator Barfoot, with recorded No votes by Senator Gavan and Senator Stutz. The committee chair announced HB149 was given a favorable report.
The bill’s sponsor and staff described the measure as largely clarifying jurisdictional authority; no floor amendment was recorded in committee. The committee did not record additional amendments or next steps in the transcript beyond the favorable report.
The committee moved on to the next agenda items. If the bill proceeds, any additional legislative steps (floor amendment, full Senate vote) will be scheduled by Senate leaders.