HB78 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matt SimpsonRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Baldwin County, provides for court proceedings in branch courthouses

Summary

The bill lets Baldwin County hold certain court proceedings in branch courthouses in Foley and Fairhope, with a cap on nonjury days and new rules for juries.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes nonjury court proceedings in branch courthouses within the Twenty-Eighth Judicial Circuit (Foley and Fairhope) up to 175 days per courthouse per year. It allows the presiding judge to issue a standing order to permit civil or criminal jury proceedings in any branch courthouse. After such a standing order, civil jury proceedings must be approved by the circuit clerk and the judge presiding, while criminal jury proceedings must be approved by the circuit clerk, the sheriff, the district attorney, and the judge presiding. The act takes effect immediately and does not limit other authorities to conduct nonjury proceedings if allowed by general law or Administrative Office of Courts rules.

Who It Affects

• Residents and users of Baldwin County who would have civil or criminal court proceedings in the Foley or Fairhope branch courthouses, subject to the 175-day limit for nonjury proceedings.
• Court officials in the Twenty-Eighth Judicial Circuit (presiding judges, circuit clerks, the sheriff, and the district attorney) who must follow new standing order and approval procedures for branch courthouse jury proceedings.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 45-2-82.02 to authorize nonjury court proceedings in branch courthouses in Foley and Fairhope, up to 175 days per courthouse per year.
• The presiding judge may issue a standing order authorizing civil or criminal jury proceedings in any branch courthouse within the circuit.
• Following a standing order, civil jury proceedings may occur only with the approval of the circuit clerk and the judge presiding.
• Following a standing order, criminal jury proceedings may occur only with the approval of the circuit clerk, the sheriff, the district attorney, and the judge presiding.
• The act becomes effective immediately.
• The provision clarifies it does not limit other authority to conduct nonjury proceedings if allowed by general law or by Administrative Office of Courts rules.

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

Subjects

Baldwin County