HB83 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

David StandridgeRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Blount County; judge of probate authorized to exercise equity jurisdiction under certain conditions; Constitutional Amendment

Summary

HB83 would amend the Alabama Constitution to let the Blount County Judge of Probate, if licensed to practice law, hear certain probate cases with the same authority as a circuit court judge, giving concurrent equity jurisdiction.

What This Bill Does

It would authorize the Blount County Judge of Probate to exercise equity jurisdiction concurrent with the circuit court in cases originally filed in the Blount County Probate Court, provided the judge is licensed to practice law in Alabama. In those cases, the probate judge would have the power 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 in these cases unless a different rule is provided by law. The amendment is self-executing, but the Legislature may enact implementing laws if needed, and voters would be asked to approve the amendment in an election.

Who It Affects

• Blount County residents and parties involved in Probate Court cases, who could have their cases heard with equity jurisdiction by the Blount County Probate Judge.
• The Blount County Judge of Probate (if licensed to practice law in Alabama), who would gain concurrent equity jurisdiction and the authority of a circuit court judge in those cases.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the Blount County Judge of Probate to exercise equity jurisdiction concurrently with the circuit court in cases originally filed in the Blount County Probate Court, if the judge is licensed to practice law in Alabama.
• The judge would have the power and authority of a circuit court judge for those cases, and the case would be treated as if filed in circuit court; Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure would apply unless otherwise provided by law.
• The amendment is self-executing, but the Legislature may enact additional laws to implement it if needed, and the Code Commissioner may perform nonsubstantive revisions to place the amendment in the Constitution.
• An election would be held to approve the amendment, with ballot language describing the change; upon ratification, the amendment becomes part of the Constitution.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Blount County