HB431 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: David SessionsSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Mobile Co., circuit and district judges, nominations by Judicial Commission, term of successors, Amendment 408 (Section 16, Local Amendments, Mobile County, Recompiled Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended) am'd., const. amend.
Summary: Proposes a constitutional amendment to standardize the term of Mobile County circuit and district judges appointed to fill vacancies to match the general rules for judicial vacancies.
What This Bill Does
If a vacancy is filled by appointment, the appointed judge would serve under the same term rules as other judicial vacancies. That means the appointee serves until the next general election for a state officer held at least six months after the vacancy, and the successor is elected to complete the unexpired term. The Governor would continue to appoint from three nominees provided by the Mobile County Judicial Commission, with a 90-day deadline to fill the vacancy; if not filled, the Chief Justice would appoint. The amendment would also ratify and confirm any successor elections for appointments made before January 16, 2017, and is self-executing once approved by voters.

Who It Affects
Mobile County circuit court and district court judges who are appointed to fill vacancies, as their term length would now follow the general vacancy rules.
The Governor and the Mobile County Judicial Commission, since the Commission nominates candidates and the Governor makes appointments (with a 90-day limit and a fallback to the Chief Justice).
Voters in Alabama, who would vote to approve or reject the proposed constitutional amendment.

Key Provisions
The term of office for any judge appointed to fill a vacancy in Mobile County circuit or district court shall be the same as for judicial vacancies generally (until the next general election for a state officer held at least six months after the vacancy, with the successor serving the unexpired term).
Maintains and describes the Mobile County Judicial Commission's structure and nomination process, including its composition, how members are chosen, and procedures for filling vacancies; requires the governor to appoint from three nominees within 90 days, with the Chief Justice appointing if not filled, and ratifies past appointments tied to vacancies prior to January 16, 2017.

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