HB503 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Kyle South
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Fayette Co., county commission, judge of probate, membership, duties, and compensation further provided for, Secs. 45-29-71.02, 45-29-71.03, 45-29-71.04, 45-29-83 am'd.
Summary: HB503 changes Fayette County government by making the Judge of Probate the county commission chair and adjusting how the commission and probate judge are organized and paid.
What This Bill Does
Starting in 2019, Fayette County's Judge of Probate becomes the chair of the county commission. The six district commissioners plus the judge as chair form the commission, with district commissioners paid $16,790 per year and eligible for annual raises up to 5%. A rotating vice-chair will preside in the chair's absence, cast a deciding vote in ties, and receive a $5,000 annual supplement. Districts will be six single-member districts reflecting minority population considerations; district members serve part-time and may hold other jobs, and the Probate Judge's pay will be a percentage of the presiding circuit judge's pay with the same increases; probate fees go to the county general fund.

Who It Affects
Judge of Probate — will serve as chair of the Fayette County Commission, with expanded duties and adjusted compensation.
Six district county commissioners — will have a fixed annual salary of $16,790 and potential annual raises; new role within the commission structure.
Fayette County residents/taxpayers — funding for compensation and probate-related revenues may shift to the county general fund; changes in governance could affect county decision-making.
Residents of Fayette County in six districts — district boundaries are designed to reflect minority populations, affecting representation and district elections.

Key Provisions
Starting in 2019, the Judge of Probate becomes the chair of the Fayette County Commission; the judge's compensation is set accordingly.
The commission will include six district commissioners plus the judge of probate as chair; district commissioners will be paid $16,790 annually with potential raises up to 5% following county-wide increases.
A district vice-chair position rotates among commissioners; the vice-chair presides in the chair's absence, has a vote on all matters (including a tie-breaking vote), and receives a $5,000 annual salary supplement.
Districts will be six single-member districts designed to reflect minority population considerations; district members serve part-time and may hold other employment.
The Judge of Probate's compensation will be a percentage of the presiding circuit judge's compensation and will increase in the same way as circuit judge increases; probate fees are deposited into the county's General Fund.
The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage/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: Fayette County