HB265 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Victor Gaston

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Chad FincherJamie IsonJim BartonWes LongMike JonesDavid Sessions

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Probate Judges, license to practice law required beginning with term after November 2012 General election, Sec12-13-31 am'd

Summary

The bill would require all Alabama probate judges to be licensed lawyers starting after the 2014 general election.

What This Bill Does

Currently, probate judges in Jefferson and Mobile counties are the only ones required to be licensed to practice law. This bill would extend the license requirement to probate judges in all counties, beginning with the term after the 2014 general election. It keeps existing eligibility rules such as being a state citizen and residing in the county for one year prior to election or appointment.

Who It Affects

• Probate judges in all counties: must hold an Alabama law license to serve starting after the 2014 general election.
• Candidates for probate judge (lawyers): must hold a valid Alabama law license to qualify for the office.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 12-13-31 to require the probate judge to be licensed to practice law in Alabama.
• Beginning with the next term after the 2014 general election, all probate judges must be licensed to practice law; citizenship and one-year county residency requirements remain.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved by the Governor (or becomes law otherwise).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Judge, Probate