HB51 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Paul W. LeeRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Houston Co., judge of probate, authorized to exercise equity jurisdiction under certain conditions, const. amend.
Summary: HB51 would allow the Houston County Judge of Probate to hear equity cases alongside the circuit court in probate matters if the judge is licensed to practice law in Alabama.
What This Bill Does
If passed, the Houston County Judge of Probate could exercise equity jurisdiction concurrent with the circuit court in cases originally filed in the Houston County Probate Court, provided the judge is licensed to practice law in Alabama. In those cases, the probate judge would have the same powers as a circuit court judge, and the case would be treated as if filed in circuit court. The Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure would apply unless a different law is stated. The amendment is self-executing, but the Legislature can pass additional laws to implement it.

Who It Affects
The Judge of Probate for Houston County, who would gain concurrent equity jurisdiction in eligible probate cases if they are licensed to practice law in Alabama.
Parties and residents involved in probate cases in Houston County, who would be subject to circuit-court-like procedures and rules in those cases.

Key Provisions
The Judge of Probate of Houston County may exercise equity jurisdiction concurrent with the circuit court in cases originally filed in the Probate Court of Houston County if the judge is licensed to practice law in the State of Alabama; the judge would have the powers of a circuit court judge and the case would be treated as if filed in circuit court, with Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure applying unless otherwise provided by law.
The amendment is self-executing and may be implemented further by additional laws; an election to approve the amendment would be held under existing constitutional amendment procedures.

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