SB288 Summary

• Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama may assign circuit or district judges from one judicial circuit to serve in another circuit for a reasonable period to address court congestion, court delay, civil and criminal case backlogs, or other reasons necessary for prompt administration of justice.

• Judges assigned to serve in another circuit shall be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable travel expenses and maintenance allowances from the State Treasury.

• Presiding circuit judges may assign judges within their circuit to serve in the circuit or district courts, after evaluating the circuit's needs including criminal and civil case currency, congestion, and backlog.

• Judge assignments by presiding judges must be documented in writing and filed with the Administrative Director of Courts and the clerk's office, though oral notification is sufficient until written notification is delivered.

• Refusal to follow assignment orders from either the Chief Justice or presiding circuit judge constitutes a violation of the canons of judicial ethics.

• The bill becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.