SB52 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Lee Co., additional circuit judge, conditioned on funding for compensation and benefits by county commission, election

Summary

SB52 creates a new circuit judge seat (Circuit Judgeship Number 4) in the Thirty-seventh Judicial Circuit (Lee County) with election timing, a six-year term, and prescribed pay rules.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates an additional circuit judgeship in the Thirty-seventh Judicial Circuit designated as Circuit Judgeship Number 4. It provides that the seat will be filled at the November 2018 general election (or the next general election thereafter), and the first judge will serve a six-year term beginning after the election. The new judge will have the same jurisdiction and duties as other circuit judges, and compensation will follow existing state rules, including the removal of salary supplements or expense allowances for those first elected or appointed after October 1, 2001. The act becomes effective immediately after passage and the governor's approval.

Who It Affects

• Lee County residents and users of the Thirty-seventh Judicial Circuit, who would gain an additional circuit judge and potentially improved access to circuit court services.
• Individuals who may run for Circuit Judgeship Number 4 (and taxpayers who fund the salary), who would be subject to the election timing, six-year term, and the state pay rules applicable to new judges.

Key Provisions

• Creates an additional circuit judgeship in the Thirty-seventh Judicial Circuit designated Circuit Judgeship Number 4.
• The seat is to be filled at the general election in November 2018, or the next general election thereafter.
• The first judge elected to Circuit Judgeship Number 4 shall serve a six-year term, beginning the first Monday after the second Tuesday in January following the election.
• The elected judge shall have and exercise all the jurisdiction, powers, rights, and duties of other circuit judges.
• Compensation shall follow Chapter 10A, Title 12, with the rule that no circuit judge elected or appointed after October 1, 2001 shall receive a salary supplement or expense allowance.
• The act becomes effective immediately after passage and the governor’s 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

Judicial Circuits