The bill amends Section 45-49-85.42 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to provide clearer guidelines for the appointment of temporary judges of probate in Mobile County. Key changes include the replacement of the term "a person" with "an individual" to specify qualifications for temporary judges, and the removal of certain phrases regarding the circumstances under which the regularly elected judge of probate may resume duties. The bill allows the Judge of Probate to appoint one or more temporary judges concurrently when necessary due to calendar congestion or other factors, with a limit of 90 days for each appointment and a maximum of 100 days of service in a fiscal year.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the responsibilities and authority of temporary judges, ensuring that their decisions carry the same weight as those of the regularly elected judge. It also stipulates that temporary judges must take an oath and provide a bond, while their compensation is set at 90% of the regular judge's salary. The bill further outlines the process for appointing a special judge in cases where the elected judge is disqualified, and it specifies that the special judge will not be required to give a bond. The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45-49-85
Enrolled: 45-49-85