Revised Alabama business law creates longer waits to register companies
MONTGOMERY, Alabama - A reorganization of Alabama's business and nonprofit laws has created an unintended consequence for some people looking to do business in the state. They're having to wait up to six weeks to get their companies registered with the Secretary of State's office, unless they pay double the standard $100 fee.
Registering with the state is a relatively simple step in the process of setting up a business. But would-be businessman Charles Richardson of Montgomery is afraid the wait could result in the loss of a franchise opportunity for him. The 34-year-old has invested about $3,000 of his own money in equipment he said he'll need for his Background Screeners of America franchise. In six months, he hopes to be making enough money that he can quit his current job. In a few years, he hopes he'll be hiring his own employees. But first, he has to be registered with the state.
On June 24, he filed his paperwork and paid his fees with Montgomery County ($55) and the Secretary of State's office ($100).
