HB51 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment allowing the Judge of Probate of Houston County to exercise equity jurisdiction concurrent with the circuit court in cases originally filed in the Probate Court of Houston County, provided the judge of probate is licensed to practice law in Alabama.

• Grants the probate judge the full power and authority of a circuit court judge in cases subject to this amendment, with cases treated in all respects the same as cases filed in circuit court.

• Makes the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure applicable in these cases except as otherwise provided by law, and declares the amendment self-executing.

• Requires an election on the proposed amendment to be held in accordance with Amendment 555 to the Alabama Constitution and state election laws.

• Specifies the ballot language describing the amendment as relating to Houston County and authorizing the Judge of Probate to exercise equity jurisdiction if licensed to practice law in Alabama.