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CS/HB 157 — Service of Process
by Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee and Rep. Redondo (CS/SB 576 by Judiciary Committee and Senator Leek)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Judiciary Committee (JU)
The bill (Chapter 2025-13, L.O.F.) amends state laws governing service of process, which is the procedure by which a party to a lawsuit gives appropriate notice to other parties that the lawsuit has begun.
Specifically, the bill:
- Allows a process server to serve process on registered agents during additional time periods and locations and on additional individuals.
- Provides how one may serve process on business organizations in receivership.
- Clarifies how to execute substitute service of process on the Secretary of State.
- Clarifies how to execute substitute service of process on nonresidents or on individuals or business entities that are concealing their whereabouts.
- Deems former residents of this state to have appointed the Secretary of State as their agent for purposes of service of process.
- Validates service of process made in conformity with either a 2022 law that substantially revised the state’s service of process statute, or prior law, ensuring the validity of default judgments based on service under either statutory regime.
These provisions were approved by the Governor and took effect on April 29, 2025, except as otherwise provided.
Vote: Senate 36-0; House 113-0