HB62 is a legislative bill that proposes amendments to the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically targeting the retirement benefits of justices and judges, and the conditions under which retired justices or judges can be called back to active duty. The bill maintains the retirement benefits at 75% of the current salary for the position, adjusted with salary changes, and payable monthly for life. It also ensures that these benefits are protected from attachment or garnishment. Spouses of deceased justices or judges are eligible for a monthly benefit based on the years of service, capped at 30% of the salary. Additionally, justices or judges who retire due to disability receive benefits proportional to their years of service and the salary at retirement.

Significant changes are made to the process of calling retired justices or judges to interim active duty. The bill eliminates the previous requirement for a retired circuit judge to be called to active duty based on a judicial weighted caseload study. Now, any retired justice or judge can be called to active duty upon request and consent, with the approval of the presiding circuit judge and the Chief Justice. The compensation for such duty is set at $780 per day, funded by the state or discretionary funds within the presiding circuit judge's jurisdiction, for up to 50 days per calendar year. The bill also outlines provisions for per diem expenses, mileage, continuing legal education, and the evaluation and potential removal from active duty by the Chief Justice and presiding circuit judge. The bill is intended to take effect on October 1, 2024.

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