House Bill 374 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Reed IngramRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Montgomery County; probate judge, compensation revised

Summary

HB374 revises Montgomery County probate judge compensation by setting a baseline salary, tying future increases to county-wide raises with a cap, and establishing a fixed salary for the judge serving as of June 1, 2025 starting in 2026, with the act becoming effective June 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

Codifies an $88,000 per year compensation for the Montgomery County probate judge (effective Oct 1, 1996). Future increases to the compensation must follow the same percentage as across-the-board raises given to full-time county employees, but cannot increase by more than $3,000 in any fiscal year. Starting Oct 1, 2026, the judge serving as probate judge on June 1, 2025 will receive $153,725 per year, in lieu of any other salary.

Who It Affects

• The Montgomery County probate judge, whose salary is defined and modified by the act.
• Montgomery County's General Fund / County Commission, which pays the probate judge's compensation.
• Full-time Montgomery County employees, whose across-the-board raise percentage determines the judge's annual increase (subject to the $3,000 cap).

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 45-51-84 to set the probate judge's annual compensation at $88,000, effective Oct 1, 1996.
• Requires increases after Oct 1, 1996 to match the percentage of county employee raises, with a maximum of $3,000 per fiscal year.
• Directs that beginning Oct 1, 2026, the judge serving as probate judge on June 1, 2025 will earn $153,725 per year, in lieu of any other salary.
• The act becomes effective June 1, 2026.

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

Subjects

Montgomery County