SB266 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Jimmy HolleyClay ScofieldGerald O. DialBryan TaylorTom Whatley

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Judicial offices, maximum age for election or appointment to judicial office increased to 75 years, Section 6.16 (Section 155, Recompiled Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended), am'd., const. amend.

Summary

SB266 would raise the maximum age to hold a judicial office from 70 to 75 and add an exception allowing some older judges to become supernumerary if they are not eligible for retirement benefits.

What This Bill Does

It would amend the Alabama Constitution to raise the age limit for elected or appointed judges from 70 to 75. It would allow a judge over 75 to be appointed as a supernumerary judge if they are not eligible for state retirement benefits. Retirement terms for judges would continue to be set by the legislature, including conditions, benefits, and pensions. The amendment would be presented to voters for approval in an election.

Who It Affects

• Judges and judicial candidates: The age limit to serve as a judge increases to 75, affecting who may be elected or appointed; an exception would allow supernumerary status for those over 75 not eligible for retirement benefits.
• State retirement system and judiciary administration: The change interacts with how retirement benefits are determined, since the supernumerary option depends on retirement eligibility and the legislature sets retirement terms.

Key Provisions

• Raises the maximum age to be elected or appointed to a judicial office from 70 to 75.
• Allows a judge over 75 to be appointed as a supernumerary judge if not eligible to receive state judicial retirement benefits.
• Retirement provisions for judges remain under legislative control, including conditions, retirement benefits, and pensions.
• The amendment must be approved by a majority of qualified electors voting in the election.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments