SB221 Summary

• Beginning in 2021 and every 20 years thereafter, the Judicial Resources Allocation Commission shall reallocate circuit judgeships and district court judgeships based on population changes from the federal decennial census.

• By January 1, 2021, the Commission must provide the Legislature with a recommended reallocation plan based on population review of counties and localities.

• The Commission shall create a scale assigning one judge per a specified number of residents in each circuit and district, with the Administrative Office of Courts providing assistance.

• The Legislature must approve the number of judges assigned to each circuit and district by general bill during the 2021 Regular Session and every twentieth regular session thereafter.

• The Alabama Supreme Court shall review any proposed changes in the number of circuit or district judges in accordance with Amendment 328 to the Alabama Constitution; vacancies due to death, retirement, resignation, or removal shall be allocated under Section 12-9A-2.