Courts, additional circuit judgeships in various judicial circuits, district judgeships in various counties throughout the state, compensation and benefits, election
Impact
The addition of these judgeships is expected to alleviate caseload pressures on existing judges, thereby potentially leading to more efficient court proceedings and shorter wait times for trial. As the legislation specifies the authority and responsibilities of the newly appointed judges, it aligns with current constitutional provisions and aims to maintain judicial standards. The new positions will require qualified individuals who can fulfill the necessary duties associated with being a judge, which may include handling civil and criminal cases.
Summary
Senate Bill 173 aims to enhance the judicial system within Alabama by creating additional circuit and district judgeships across various judicial circuits and counties. The bill delineates specific new positions, designating number assignments for circuit judgeships in the Fifth, Sixth, Eleventh, Thirteenth, Nineteenth, Twenty-third, Twenty-eighth, and Thirty-seventh Judicial Circuits. Similarly, it provides additional district judgeships for Baldwin, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Madison, Mobile, Shelby, and Tuscaloosa Counties, thereby expanding court capacities to manage the growing demand for judicial processes within these areas.
Contention
While the bill seeks to improve the judicial system, it may face contention regarding its implementation and the financial implications of appointing additional judges. The annual compensation for these judges is proposed to follow existing legal statutes but could raise concerns about state budgeting and resource allocation within the judicial branch. Stakeholders may engage in discussions about the effectiveness of this increase in judgeships and whether it sufficiently addresses the underlying issues of judicial delays and access to justice.
Retirement benefits, revise circumstances when an individual's pension, annuity, or retirement allowance benefits are subject to certain recovery actions
Retirement benefits, revise circumstances when an individual's pension, annuity, or retirement allowance benefits are subject to certain recovery actions
To provide for additional circuit judgeships and additional district judgeships to be funded out of the State General Fund in Fiscal Years 2024, 2025, and 2026; and to provide for the authority of the judges and for the compensation and benefits of the judges.
To provide for additional circuit judgeships and additional district judgeships to be funded out of the State General Fund in Fiscal Years 2024, 2025, and 2026; and to provide for the authority of the judges and for the compensation and benefits of the judges.
Relating to judges; to provide for additional circuit judgeships and additional district judgeships; to provide for the authority of the judges and for the compensation and benefits of the judges; to prohibit the Judicial Resources Allocation Commission from reallocating any vacant judgeships until January 1, 2027; and to require the Administrative Office of Courts to provide certain statistical data annually.
Dedicates judgeships in certain judicial districts with divisions limited to family or juvenile subject matter jurisdiction. (gov sig) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)