HB370 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tim WadsworthRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2020
Title: Walker Co., judge of probate authorized to exercise equity jurisdiction under certain conditions, const. amend.
Summary: A proposed constitutional change would let Walker County's probate judge hear equity cases concurrently with the circuit court if the judge is a member of the Alabama State Bar.
What This Bill Does
If approved, the Walker County Probate Judge who is an Alabama State Bar member could exercise equity jurisdiction concurrent with the circuit court in cases originally filed in the Walker County Probate Court. In those cases, the judge would have the powers of a circuit court judge and the case would be treated as if filed in circuit court, with the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure applying unless a different law says otherwise. The amendment is self-executing, but the Legislature may pass additional laws to implement it, and an election will be held to approve the amendment.

Who It Affects
The Walker County Judge of Probate, provided they are a member of the Alabama State Bar, who would gain concurrent equity jurisdiction with the circuit court for eligible probate cases.
People involved in probate cases in Walker County, whose cases could be heard under circuit court rules and procedures when the judge uses this authority.

Key Provisions
Proposes amending the Alabama Constitution to allow the Walker County Judge of Probate to exercise equity jurisdiction concurrent with the circuit court in cases originally filed in the Walker County Probate Court, if the judge is an Alabama State Bar member.
In those cases, the probate judge would have the powers and authority of a circuit court judge and the case would be treated as if filed in circuit court.
The Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure would apply to these cases unless otherwise provided by law.
The amendment is self-executing, but the Legislature may enact additional laws to implement it.
An election must be held to approve 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: Walker County