Alabama Senate Bill SB279

Alabama 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/22
• Refer: 3/1/22

Caption

Courts, the further provide for the election of justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the appellate courts, Sec. 12-3-4 repealed; Secs. 12-2-1, 12-3-2, 12-3-3, 12-3-4, 17-6-48, 17-6-48.1 am'd.

Impact

This bill's passage will directly affect the Code of Alabama by amending several sections to implement district-based elections for associate justices, whereas previously these justices were elected from the entire state. This proposed change signifies a move toward localized representation within the state's judicial system, intending to make the election of these judicial positions more relevant to specific communities or regions.

Summary

SB279 aims to modify the election process for justices of the Alabama Supreme Court and judges of the appellate courts. Under existing law, both the Chief Justice and associate justices have been elected by popular vote from the state at large. SB279 proposes that beginning in the 2024 general election, the Chief Justice will still be elected at large, but the associate justices will be elected from designated districts based on State Board of Education Districts, a significant shift in the judicial election landscape.

Contention

There may be contention around the bill with regards to its impact on judicial independence and balance. Critics may argue that district-based elections could result in a politicization of the judiciary, favoring candidates who appeal to localized sentiments over those who might be better suited for broader, more impartial judicial roles. Furthermore, existing judicial structures and the longstanding tradition of statewide elections could face pushback from various factions interested in preserving established norms.

Notable_points

SB279 also repeals previous law concerning the selection of the presiding judge of the Courts of Appeals, signifying a move away from older governance styles in judicial appointment systems. The implementation of this bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2023, should it be approved, indicating a swift legislative change in the approach to judicial elections in Alabama.