HB315 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Prince ChestnutRepresentative
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2020
Title: Dallas Co., district court, judicial vacancies to be filled by nominations by judicial commission to the Governor, const. amend.
Summary: HB315 would amend the Alabama Constitution so Dallas County District Court vacancies are filled by the Governor from nominees chosen by a new Dallas County Judicial Commission, with the appointee serving until the next general election for state officers.
What This Bill Does
If passed, vacancies after January 15, 2021 would be filled by the Governor from three nominees provided by the Dallas County Judicial Commission. The commission is made up of two lawyers elected by Dallas County attorneys, two non-lawyers elected by the Dallas County Legislative Delegation, and one circuit judge elected by Fourth Judicial Circuit judges. The appointee would hold the office until the next general election for state officers, occurring at least six months after the vacancy.

Who It Affects
Dallas County residents and voters, who would be affected by a new process for filling Dallas County District Court Judge vacancies and by the length of time a temporary appointee would serve.
Dallas County attorneys, non-attorneys, and local officials who participate in selecting the commission members (two attorney-elected members, two non-attorney-elected members, and one circuit judge-elected member).

Key Provisions
Section 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to require vacancies in the Dallas County District Court to be filled by the Governor based on nominations from the Dallas County Judicial Commission, with the appointee serving until the next general election for state officers.
Section 2 creates the Dallas County Judicial Commission and details its composition: two lawyer members elected by Dallas County attorneys, two non-lawyer members elected by the Dallas County Legislative Delegation, and one Fourth Judicial Circuit judge elected by the circuit judges; the Dallas County Judge of Probate would record and forward certificates to the Governor.
Section 3 sets six-year terms for commission members (with specific initial term lengths for the first members), prohibits consecutive terms, and outlines how vacancies and term commencements are handled.
Section 4 restricts compensation for commission members and prohibits holding public office or political party roles (for most members) and restricts eligibility for Governor appointment within six months of serving on the commission.
Section 5 requires the commission to nominate three qualified persons within 60 days of a vacancy by majority vote; if they fail, the Chief Justice selects three names, and the Governor must appoint one of these nominees; the appointee serves until the next general election for state officers.
Sections 6-8 outline ballot description, election procedure, and effective date for the amendment.

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