HB312 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment to Amendment 804 regarding judicial vacancies in Shelby County's 18th Judicial Circuit.

• Changes the term of office for appointed circuit and district court judges to align with general constitutional provisions under Section 153, extending the appointment term until the first Monday after the second Tuesday in January following the first general election held more than one year after appointment.

• Establishes the Shelby County Judicial Commission with five members (two State Bar members elected by bar members, two non-bar members elected by state legislators representing Shelby County, and the presiding judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit) to nominate candidates for judicial vacancies.

• Requires the Governor to appoint one of three commission-nominated candidates within 90 days; if the Governor fails to act, the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court makes the appointment.

• Ratifies and confirms the judicial authority of any person appointed to fill a judicial vacancy in the circuit prior to January 16, 2017, and requires an election on the proposed amendment following state law.