HJR283 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

David FaulknerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Study committee, created, use of private judges

Summary

A study committee is created to examine the use of private judges and potentially increase their use in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

This bill creates the Study Committee on the Use of Private Judges with a broad group of appointees, including lawmakers, judges, private judges, and representatives from various legal organizations. The committee will study the benefits, drawbacks, and feasibility of increasing private judge use and may recommend changes in the law to facilitate that use. It must report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the third Legislative day of the 2017 Regular Session. Members are paid per diem and travel expenses, and the committee dissolves after its final report unless extended.

Who It Affects

• Private judges in Alabama who could see expanded opportunities or roles as a result of the study and potential policy changes.
• Alabama residents and participants in the civil justice system who could be affected by changes in law that would make greater use of private judges, potentially impacting how civil cases are handled and related costs.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Study Committee on the Use of Private Judges and lists its members, including legislative leaders, private judges, court officials, bar associations, and other stakeholders, with a directive to ensure diversity reflective of the state.
• Committee duties: study the potential benefits, drawbacks, and feasibility of increasing the use of private judges.
• Committee duties: recommend changes in the law to facilitate increased use of private judges.
• Committee duties: report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the third Legislative day of the 2017 Regular Session.
• Quorum and meeting rules: a majority constitutes a quorum; meetings at least monthly beginning the second month after adjournment of the 2016 Regular Session; first meeting set by the Governor's Legal Advisor; committee to elect a chair and vice chair; members serve without compensation.
• Compensation: legislative per diem and travel expenses for attending meetings, paid from funds appropriated to the Legislature.
• Dissolution: the committee dissolves after the final report unless authorized to continue.
• Diversity requirement: appointing authorities must coordinate to ensure the committee reflects the racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of Alabama.

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

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative