SB70 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Cam Ward
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Shelby Co., judge of probate, vacancies, nominations to Governor by Shelby Co. Judicial Commission, const. amend.
Summary: SB70 would amend Alabama's Constitution to require that Shelby County judge of probate vacancies be filled by nominations from the Shelby County Judicial Commission to the Governor, using the same process as other county judicial vacancies.
What This Bill Does
If there is a vacancy in Shelby County's judge of probate, the vacancy would be filled from nominations to the Governor by the Shelby County Judicial Commission, using the same procedures as for circuit or district court vacancies (per Amendment 804). The amendment also sets up a statewide election to approve this change, with ballot language describing the amendment. If approved, the change becomes part of the Constitution.

Who It Affects
Shelby County residents and the probate court community, because probate judge vacancies would be filled through nominations by the local Shelby County Judicial Commission to the Governor.
The Shelby County Judicial Commission and the Governor, because the Commission would nominate candidates and the Governor would appoint from those nominees following Amendment 804 procedures.

Key Provisions
When there is a vacancy in the Shelby County Judge of Probate, the vacancy shall be filled from nominations to the Governor by the Shelby County Judicial Commission, pursuant to Amendment 804 procedures for circuit/district court vacancies.
An election to approve the proposed constitutional amendment shall be held under the state's existing amendment and election laws, with standard ballot language describing the amendment and Yes/No options.
If the amendment is approved, it becomes part of the Alabama Constitution and governs how Shelby County probate judge vacancies are filled.

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