Ala. Code § 17-16-53
The package mailed by the clerk must be opened by the presiding officer and presented to the house over which he or she presides for such action as such house may deem proper. On the determination of the contest, the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House, as the case may be, must certify the result thereof to the clerk of the court in which the statement of contest was filed. The certificate must be filed in the office of the clerk and shall have the force and effect of a judgment against the unsuccessful party for the costs of the contest. And the clerk having taxed the costs, allowing the fees and costs allowed for similar services in civil cases at law, must issue execution for the amount thereof in the name of the successful party. If the party contesting the election is the unsuccessful party, the unsuccessful party sureties must pay the costs of the contest.
Ala. Code § 17-16-53 (1975)