SB411 Summary

• Expands eligibility for private judges to include former appellate court judges who previously served at least six consecutive years, in addition to former circuit and district court judges.

• Removes the requirement that a private judge's former court must have had subject matter jurisdiction over the case being heard.

• Authorizes 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.

• Allows private judges to conduct hearings at any location in Alabama, including county courthouses where the case was filed, if space is available, with notice to the court clerk at least three days before proceedings.

• Permits individuals serving as private judges to simultaneously accept appointment as special or senior judges or be called to active duty status without disqualification.