Senate Bill 241 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matt WoodsSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Walker County; temporary probate judges, authorized

Summary

SB241 would authorize Walker County's Judge of Probate to appoint temporary probate judges to handle congested calendars or complex probate matters, with limited terms and compensation.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the Judge of Probate in Walker County to appoint one or more temporary probate judges from qualified, Alabama-licensed county electors to serve alongside the elected judge when needed due to calendar congestion, case complexity, long trials, or caseload management. Each appointment may last up to 90 days and may be renewed for successive 90-day terms, but no individual may serve more than 200 days in a calendar year. Temporary judges have the same jurisdiction and duties as the elected judge; their judgments and orders are part of the probate court records and are subject to revision or appeal, while the elected judge and their bond are not responsible for acts of the temporary judge or court staff; compensation is $50 per hearing from the judge's discretionary funds, with no extra pay if the temp judge is already a probate court employee. The act becomes effective June 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Walker County residents with probate court cases, who may experience faster scheduling and more efficient handling of cases due to the presence of temporary judges.
• Licensed attorneys in Walker County who are eligible to be appointed as temporary probate judges to assist with the court's workload.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the Walker County Judge of Probate to appoint temporary probate judges from qualified local electors licensed to practice law in Alabama.
• Temporary judges may serve contemporaneously with the elected judge to address calendar congestion, complexity, long trials, or caseload management.
• Each appointment is limited to 90 days; a person may hold successive 90-day appointments but cannot exceed 200 days in a calendar year.
• Temporary judges have the same jurisdiction and authority as the elected judge; their rulings are recorded and subject to revision or appeal.
• The elected judge and their bond are not responsible for acts of temporary judges or court staff during the temporary tenure.
• Temporary judges are paid $50 per hearing from the judge's discretionary funds; if they are already probate court employees, they receive no additional compensation.
• Effective date: 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

Walker County