SB2 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Rodger SmithermanSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2020
Title: Jefferson Co., judges, circuit or district, temporary assignment, prohibiting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from assigning circuit or district judge to serve within another judicial circuit, Secs. 12-9A-7, 12-9A-8 am'd.
Summary: SB 2 would extend temporary judge assignment authority to Jefferson County, allowing Jefferson County judges to be temporarily reassigned to other circuits or to serve within their own circuit/district to reduce backlog and delays.
What This Bill Does
The bill amends sections 12-9A-7 and 12-9A-8 to permit the Chief Justice and the presiding circuit judge to temporarily assign Jefferson County circuit or district judges to other circuits or within their own circuit/district as needed to address congestion and backlog. Assignments must be based on the needs of the circuits involved, and the assigned judges are to be reimbursed for travel and maintenance expenses. Notifications and documentation of assignments are required, with records filed as prescribed. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved.

Who It Affects
Jefferson County circuit and district judges, who could be temporarily reassigned to other circuits or assigned to serve within their own circuit/district to help alleviate congestion and backlog.
Judges in other Alabama circuits, who may receive Jefferson County judges on temporary assignments to address court needs.

Key Provisions
The Chief Justice may assign a Jefferson County judge to serve in another judicial circuit for a reasonable period to address court congestion, delays, or backlogs.
The presiding circuit judge may assign a circuit or district judge within the circuit to serve in the circuit or in the circuit's district courts, based on circuit needs, with assignments in writing and notices provided.
Assigned judges are reimbursed for travel and maintenance expenses from the State Treasury, per the same rules that apply to judges when outside their home circuit.
The act includes provisions for notification, record-keeping, and related administrative steps to implement the assignments; effective date is the first day of the third month following passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Judicial Circuits