SB297 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Hightower

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Mobile Co., 13th Judicial Circuit, additional circuit judge, conditioned on funding for compensation and benefits by county commission, election

Summary

SB297 would create an extra circuit judge seat in Mobile County’s 13th Judicial Circuit, with funding conditioned on state funds or county funding and a November 2016 election.

What This Bill Does

It creates an additional circuit judgeship (Circuit Judgeship Number 12) in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit comprising Mobile County. Funding for the position would be provided either by the state before the election or by the Mobile County Commission for the first 36 months (covering the judge’s pay, benefits, plus a judicial assistant and a court reporter). The seat would be filled in the November 2016 general election, with the winner serving a six-year term and having the same powers as other circuit judges; compensation would follow the standard state pay rules and would not include a supplement or expense allowance for judges first elected after October 1, 2001.

Who It Affects

• Mobile County residents in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, who could see increased access to a higher-capacity circuit court and changes in court scheduling.
• Mobile County Commission, which would need to approve funding if state funds are not available, covering the first 36 months of compensation and benefits for the judge and support staff.

Key Provisions

• Creates an additional circuit judgeship in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit (Mobile County), designated Circuit Judgeship Number 12, conditioned on funding.
• Funding for the new judgeship can come from the State before the election qualifying period; if not available, Mobile County Commission must adopt a resolution to fund the first 36 months of compensation and benefits for the judge, plus a judicial assistant and a court reporter.
• The seat will be filled at the November 2016 general election, and the first judge will serve a six-year term beginning the Monday after the second Tuesday in January following the election.
• The elected judge will have the same jurisdiction, powers, duties, and qualifications as other circuit judges; compensation will follow the state's Chapter 10A schedule, and no salary supplement or expense allowance applies to judges first elected or appointed after October 1, 2001.
• Effective immediately upon passage and governor's approval.

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

Subjects

Mobile County