HB555 Summary

• Expands eligibility for private judges to include former appellate court judges who served at least six consecutive years and meet other qualifications (Alabama bar admission, state residency, good standing).

• Removes the requirement that private judges can only hear cases within the subject matter jurisdiction of the court where they formerly served.

• Allows private judges to simultaneously serve as special or senior judges while hearing private judge cases.

• Requires the Office of the Attorney General to provide legal defense to private judges in any action arising from their service as a private judge, though the State is not obligated to provide liability insurance coverage.

• Authorizes private judge cases to be heard in any county courthouse where space is available, including the courthouse of the circuit court in which the case is pending.