Bill
HB 54
House Bill 54 empowers circuit and district courts to issue emergency protection orders for juveniles, ensuring swift action against abuse or neglect.
Bill Number: HB 54
Title: Juvenile court; additional courts authorized to issue emergency ex parte orders for protection of juveniles; process provided for
Status: Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar (Judiciary)
Introduced: November 05, 2025
Sponsor: Representative Matt Simpson
Classification: Bill
Subject: Courts & Judges
House Bill 54 aims to enhance the legal framework for protecting juveniles in situations of abuse or neglect. The bill seeks to empower circuit and district courts, in addition to juvenile courts, to issue emergency ex parte orders of protection or restraint. This change is intended to provide a more immediate and accessible legal recourse for the protection of children in urgent situations.
Expansion of Authority: The bill allows circuit and district courts to issue emergency ex parte orders of protection or restraint under specific circumstances, thereby broadening the scope of judicial authority in child protection cases.
Criteria for Issuance: Courts may issue these orders when there is verified evidence of abuse or neglect, as defined in Section 26-14-1 of the Code of Alabama.
Custody Arrangements: The bill stipulates that if a court issues an emergency order, it may remove the child from their parent or legal custodian and place them with an appropriate relative or, if no relative is available, into the temporary protective custody of the local county department of human resources.
Notification Requirements: The bill mandates that immediate verbal and written notice of the emergency order be provided to the relevant department, which will then take necessary actions in accordance with existing laws.
Duration of Orders: The emergency ex parte order will remain in effect until a juvenile court conducts a hearing to review the order, at which point it may be ratified or replaced with a new order.
Juveniles: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are children who may be at risk of abuse or neglect, as it provides a mechanism for their immediate protection.
Judicial System: Circuit and district courts will gain additional responsibilities and authority in handling cases involving juvenile protection.
Department of Human Resources: The local county department will be involved in the custody and care of children placed under protective orders.
Effective Date: The provisions of this act are set to become effective on June 1, 2025.
Legislative Timeline: The bill has undergone several readings and committee actions, with the most recent being read for the second time and placed on the calendar for further consideration on February 20, 2025.
According to the fiscal notes associated with the bill, it is projected that House Bill 54 will not directly affect state or local funding.
This summary provides an overview of House Bill 54, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and procedural details, making it accessible for both experts and general readers interested in juvenile protection legislation.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
