AL SB397

Amends Section 12-13-37, Code of Alabama 1975, to authorize the Alabama Supreme Court to appoint a special probate judge when a sitting probate judge is suspended, absent, incompetent, sick, or otherwise disqualified.

Requires the probate judge or chief clerk to certify the fact of incompetency, absence, suspension, sickness, or disqualification to the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.

The appointed special probate judge must possess the qualifications of a probate judge and shall have full jurisdiction and authority to discharge all duties of the office during the period of disqualification.

Applies only when disqualification relates to a particular matter or proceeding in probate court, and does not apply in cases of a vacancy in office governed by Section 12-13-32.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.