HB383 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Sections 12-11A-2 and 12-11A-4 to allow former or retired probate judges to serve as private judges in probate cases that are removed to circuit court.

• Requires private judges to have served in their judicial capacity for at least six consecutive years and be admitted to practice law in Alabama and maintain good standing with the Alabama State Bar Association.

• Permits private judges to exercise the same powers as circuit court judges, including controlling court procedure, deciding case outcomes, enforcing orders, and administering oaths.

• Requires all proceedings before private judges to be recorded, filed with the circuit court clerk, and made available to the public in the same manner as circuit court records, with Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure applying to all actions.

• Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.