HB490 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Phillip PettusRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Lauderdale Co., Judicial Commission appointments, appointee to serve for full-term beginning at end of appointment, const. amend.
Summary: HB490 would change Lauderdale County's judge vacancy terms to align with the statewide rule for judicial vacancies.
What This Bill Does
It proposes a constitutional amendment to Lauderdale County Amendment 819, Section 4.10, to revise how long a Lauderdale County circuit or district judge appointed to fill a vacancy would serve. The appointed judge would serve until the next general election held at least six months after the vacancy, then a successor would be elected for a full term, aligning with the general rule for judicial vacancies. The bill also keeps a structured appointment process, where the Lauderdale County Judicial Commission nominates three candidates and the Governor selects one, with public lists and a potential override by the Chief Justice if the Governor does not act. The appointed term would follow the broader constitutional provisions for judicial vacancies (Section 153).

Who It Affects
Lauderdale County circuit court and district court judges appointed to fill vacancies, whose term length would now align with the general judicial vacancy rule rather than the previous Lauderdale-specific timeline.
Lauderdale County Judicial Commission and the Governor, who would follow a defined nomination/appointment process (three nominees, Governor selection, public nominations) for filling vacancies.

Key Provisions
Amends Amendment 819, Lauderdale County Section 4.10, to revise the term of office for judges appointed to fill Lauderdale County vacancies to match the general judicial vacancy rules.
If a vacancy is filled by appointment, the appointee serves until the next general election held at least six months after the vacancy, with a full term to begin after that election, per the general provisions in Section 153.
Creates and defines the Lauderdale County Judicial Commission (five members: two appointed by the county bar, two by the county commission, one by the Chief Justice as chair) with six-year terms, residency requirements, and independent operation (no salary, no public office other duties).
Specifies the nomination/appointment process: the commission nominates three candidates within 30 days; if not, the Chief Justice appoints from the list; the Governor selects one of the nominees; all names are public records; if the Governor does not appoint within 30 days, the Chief Justice may appoint from that list.

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