The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to revise the compensation structure for district attorneys, judges, and certain local officials. It removes previous restrictions on salary increases for district attorneys, allowing for greater flexibility in their compensation. Key amendments include the deletion of Amendment 426 and the insertion of Section 148 of the Alabama Constitution, which establishes new salary levels for judges and justices effective October 1, 2021. The bill also introduces provisions for cost-of-living adjustments and a structured salary increase based on years of service for circuit and district judges. Newly appointed district attorneys will have a salary set at $140,000, with existing district attorneys earning $1,000 less than the highest-paid circuit judge, and the previous requirement for salary increases only after completing a term has been eliminated.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that district attorneys will receive a 7.5 percent salary increase after each term of service, along with cost-of-living adjustments enacted by the Legislature on or after October 1, 2021. It ensures that the compensation for any district attorney in service on October 1, 2025, cannot be diminished and introduces a clause that mandates salary increases based on ungranted cost-of-living adjustments from previous terms. The bill also includes a provision that, contingent upon the ratification of a constitutional amendment proposed in Senate Bill ___ of the 2025 Regular Session, the salary of district attorneys cannot be decreased during their term of office. The changes are prospective, meaning no back pay will be granted for previous adjustments, and the act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-17-182
Enrolled: 12-17-182