HB447 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matt Fridy

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Judge of Probate, compensation, based on percentage of district judge pay based on population categories, fees for preparation of voter lists, deleted, Sec. 17-3-60 am'd; Sec. 12-13-20 repealed

Summary

HB447 would replace the probate judge’s fixed minimum salary with a population-based percentage of district court pay and adjust voter-list preparation funding and staffing, taking effect for terms starting January 2019.

What This Bill Does

It sets probate judge salaries as a percentage of district court judge pay based on county population categories and adjusts those salaries for years of probate service like district judges. It repeals the old minimum salary framework and changes how voter-list preparation is funded, allowing assistants and clerical help paid out of county funds with a cap tied to the number of registered voters. It also authorizes counties to hire a clerk for counties with 100,000–350,000 people to assist the board of registrars and gives the board space and hiring authority for necessary staff.

Who It Affects

• Judges of probate in Alabama counties – their salaries would be calculated as a percentage of district court judge pay, adjusted by population category and years of service.
• County governments – must fund probate judge salaries and the cost of voter-list preparation staff, with specific caps and, in some counties, funding for a registrar clerk.
• Boards of registrars and voters in counties with 100,000–350,000 people – may gain a clerk to help revise and manage voter lists and have office space and staff funded through the county.

Key Provisions

• Section 1 establishes probate judge salaries as a percentage of district court judge pay, by county population category (Categories 1-2: 100%, 3-4: 90%, 5: 80%, 6: 70%), with step increases for additional years of probate service.
• Section 1 also provides that new or continuing probate judges have these salaries, with adjustments for bench experience; salaries are paid from the county general fund; local-law or fee-based higher salaries are not affected.
• Section 2 amends Section 17-3-60 to allow probate judges to hire assistants and clerical help for preparing state voter registration lists, paid by the county (cap: number of names × $0.05). Counties with 100,000–350,000 population may employ a clerk to assist the board of registrars, paid up to $250 per month; boards receive office space and authority to hire staff and purchase equipment.
• Section 3 repeals Section 12-13-20, eliminating the existing minimum probate judge salaries.
• Section 4 states the act becomes effective at the start of the next full term beginning January 2019.

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