HB 302 Summary

• Amends Section 12-13-9 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to grant probate judges the same power to punish for civil contempt as circuit court judges in counties where probate court has concurrent equity jurisdiction with circuit court.

• Preserves existing probate court authority to issue show cause orders and attachments for contempt with penalties limited to fines not exceeding $20.00 and imprisonment not exceeding 24 hours.

• Does not apply in any county with a population greater than 600,000 according to the most recent decennial census.

• Became effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor on May 7, 2015, passing with 93 yeas, 0 nays, and 2 abstentions.