HB7 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kirk HatcherSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Elections, to provide that any vacancy in a judicial seat that occurs within 45 days of a primary or general election be filled by special election, Sec. 17-14-6 am'd.

Summary

HB 7 would require a special election to fill any judicial vacancy that occurs within 45 days of a primary or general election, instead of appointment.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 17-14-6 to require a special election to fill judicial vacancies in circuit, district, and appellate courts (excluding probate) if the vacancy happens within 45 days of an election. For vacancies outside that window, the Governor would still appoint a replacement, with the appointee serving an initial term until the specified date and the seat being filled by a full-term election later. Probate judge vacancies are not subject to the 45-day special election rule. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed into law.

Who It Affects

• Voters in Alabama's judicial districts, who would participate in a special election to fill near-election vacancies.
• Governor's office and the appointment process, which would not apply to near-election vacancies (they would be filled by election) but would continue for other vacancies.

Key Provisions

• Adds a rule that any vacancy in a judicial seat occurring within 45 days of a primary or general election shall be filled by a special election.
• Excludes probate judges from the 45-day special election rule; probate vacancies remain appointment-based.
• When a vacancy is filled by special election, the office is filled for a full term beginning at the end of the appointive term.
• For vacancies not within the 45-day window, the Governor continues to appoint to fill the vacancy, with the appointee serving an initial term as currently described.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage/approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Elections