The bill amends Sections 12-18-10 and 12-18-61 of the Code of Alabama 1975, revising the process for calling retired justices and judges to active duty. It allows any retired justice of the Supreme Court, judge of a court of appeals, or retired circuit judges to be called to interim active duty upon request from the Chief Justice, presiding judge, or Governor, with the retired individual's consent. The bill introduces a daily compensation of $780 for retired judges while serving, which can be funded through discretionary funds available to the presiding circuit judge. Additionally, it streamlines the process by removing certain restrictions on calling retired circuit judges to active duty, allowing for a maximum of 50 days of service per calendar year.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the requirements for retired district judges, allowing them to be called to active duty upon the presiding circuit judge's request with the Chief Justice's approval, rather than solely based on the presiding circuit judge's request. It eliminates previous requirements for certification from the Chief Justice and the Administrative Office of Courts, as well as the need for annual recertification for continued service. However, it maintains the requirement for retired judges to complete a minimum of six hours of approved continuing legal education annually and clarifies that they will not be considered public officials during their service. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-18-10, 12-18-61
Enrolled: 12-18-10, 12-18-61