HB476 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Randy Davis
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Baldwin Co., Judicial Commission appointments, appointee to serve for full-term beginning at end of appointment, const. amend.
Summary: HB476 would amend Baldwin County's constitution to align the term of judges appointed to fill county vacancies with the general state rule.
What This Bill Does
It changes the term for circuit court and district court judges appointed to Baldwin County vacancies to follow the same time frame as other judicial vacancies in Alabama, rather than a shorter county-specific period. It preserves the governor's appointment process but under the Baldwin County Judicial Commission. It also creates a five-member Baldwin County Judicial Commission with specific eligibility and appointment rules to nominate three candidates when a vacancy occurs, with the governor or, if needed, the chief justice appointing from those nominees.

Who It Affects
Circuit Court Judge or District Court Judge vacancies in Baldwin County — the appointed judge would serve a term that conforms to general constitutional provisions rather than a six-month or shorter county-specific term.
Governing and supporting bodies involved in Baldwin County judicial appointments (Governor, Baldwin County Judicial Commission, Baldwin County Bar Association, Baldwin County Commission, Baldwin County Mayors' Association, and the Baldwin County Legislative Delegation) — affected by the new commission structure, nomination process, and term rules for appointees.

Key Provisions
Amends Amendment 660 to Baldwin County to make the term of office for an appointed circuit or district judge in Baldwin County conform to the general vacancy provisions of the Alabama Constitution (Section 153).
Creates the Baldwin County Judicial Commission (five members) with specified composition and six-year terms, requires nomination of three qualified candidates within 30 days of a vacancy, and assigns appointment to the Governor (with fallback appointment by the Chief Justice if the Governor does not act) from those nominees; ensures public records of considered candidates.

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