HB450 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kerry UnderwoodRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Judges, eligibility to be elected or appointed further provided for, constitutional amendment

Summary

HB450 would raise the constitutional age limit for judges from 70 to 75 and allow a limited supernumerary role for older judges who do not qualify for retirement benefits.

What This Bill Does

It proposes amending Section 155 of the Alabama Constitution to set the age to 75 for eligibility to be elected or appointed as a judge. It also provides that a judge who has reached the age threshold may be appointed as a supernumerary judge if they are not eligible for state judicial retirement benefits. The Legislature would set retirement terms, benefits, and pensions for judges and their dependents by law. The amendment would take effect only if a majority of voters approve it in a statewide election.

Who It Affects

• Judges and judicial candidates who are near or at the age threshold (around 70–75) and those who might consider or continue in a supernumerary role.
• Alabama voters who will vote on the constitutional amendment to approve or reject it.

Key Provisions

• Raises the age limit for eligibility to be elected or appointed as a judge from 70 to 75.
• Provides an exception allowing a judge to be appointed as a supernumerary judge if they have reached the age threshold and are not eligible for state retirement benefits.
• Authorizes the Legislature to establish retirement terms, benefits, and pensions for judges and their dependents by law.
• Requires voter approval in a statewide election for the amendment to become part of the Constitution.
• Code Commissioner will number/place the amendment in the constitution and may make non-substantive stylistic revisions after ratification.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments Statewide