HB 491 Alabama House · 2026 Regular Session

Tallapoosa County; remote access of records fee authorized

HB 491 authorizes Tallapoosa County's Judge of Probate to charge a fee for remote access to court records via digital systems. The fee, collected from individuals or entities accessing records online, must be deposited into a special fund managed by the Judge of Probate. These funds are specifically designated for maintaining, operating, and improving the county's electronic record-keeping and remote-access services. The bill also confirms that fees collected for this purpose prior to its effective date (June 1, 2026) are valid and approved.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House Passage

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

Signed into Law

Mar 2026

Introduced Feb 24, 2026 Signed Mar 17, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Enrolled · 4 edits · Mar 17, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was finalized and enrolled, adding official signatures and dates from the House and Senate. The most significant substantive change is in Section 2(c), which expanded how the collected fees can be used. Previously, funds were restricted to maintenance, operation, and improvement of the office; the new version now explicitly allows funds to be used for general operations, technology needs, or improvements.

Scope change

The bill's scope of applicability remains unchanged, as it still applies only to Tallapoosa County.

FISCAL

Expanded the permitted uses of the remote access fee from just maintenance and operation to include general operations and specific technology needs.

TECHNICAL

Added Section 3 to formally ratify and confirm any fees collected before the act's effective date.

Added signature lines and certification dates for the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate, marking the bill's final passage.

TIMELINE

Added Section 4 to specify that the act becomes effective on June 1, 2026.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 709

upper

Mar 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

upper

Feb 26, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Local Legislation )

upper

Feb 26, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 600

lower

Feb 25, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

lower

Feb 24, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Local Legislation)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors