SB8 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Hightower

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Treasures and artifacts, cultural resources that are eligible for or listed in National Register of Historic Places, not Al. Register of Landmarks and Heritage, Sec. 41-9-291 am'd.

Summary

SB8 would require legislative approval for Supreme Court affirmations of Court of the Judiciary removals of judges and would remove a judge's automatic disqualification when a Judicial Inquiry Commission complaint is filed.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill would require the Legislature to vote with a two-thirds majority to affirm a judge's removal when the Supreme Court affirms the Court of the Judiciary's decision to remove. The Legislature could hold an extraordinary session if needed to consider the decision. It would also delete the current rule that automatically disqualifies a judge from acting while a Judicial Inquiry Commission complaint is pending, potentially allowing the judge to continue serving during investigations.

Who It Affects

• Judges in Alabama who could be removed by the Court of the Judiciary; after Supreme Court affirmation, their removal would require a two-thirds legislative vote to become final.
• The Alabama Legislature and the Governor; they would determine final removal by voting, may convene extraordinary sessions, and would adopt procedures to implement these changes.

Key Provisions

• Amends Article VI, Section 157 to require legislative approval (two-thirds in both houses) after the Supreme Court affirms a Court of the Judiciary removal; also allows for extraordinary sessions and directs the Legislature to adopt procedures to implement this section.
• Amends Article VI, Section 159 to delete the provision that disqualifies a judge from acting while a Judicial Inquiry Commission complaint is pending.

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

Subjects

Artifacts