HB431 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment to Amendment 408 regarding judicial vacancies in Mobile County circuit and district courts.

• Changes the term of office for appointed judges filling vacancies to match general judicial vacancy provisions under Section 153 of the Alabama Constitution, instead of the current provision ending at the next general election for any state officer held at least six months after the vacancy.

• Maintains the existing Mobile County Judicial Commission nomination process, where the Governor appoints one of three nominated candidates within 90 days, or the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court makes the appointment if the Governor fails to act.

• Ratifies and confirms all judicial succession elections in Mobile County prior to January 16, 2017.

• Directs the election official to place the amendment on the ballot with a description of the proposed changes and Yes/No voting options.