SB 343 Alabama Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Mobile County; temporary judges of probate, appointment amended

This bill amends Alabama law to update how temporary judges of probate are appointed in Mobile County. It allows the elected probate judge to appoint temporary judges when the court faces heavy caseloads or complex cases, and it clarifies the process for appointing temporary judges when the regular judge is unable to serve due to illness, absence, or disqualification. Temporary judges appointed by the elected judge can serve up to 90-day periods totaling no more than 100 days per fiscal year, while those appointed by the circuit court judge serve only when the regular judge is unavailable. The bill also sets compensation rates for temporary judges and removes liability for the elected judge or their bond regarding decisions made by temporary judges.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Mar 5, 2026 Signed Apr 6, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Enrolled · 4 edits · Apr 6, 2026
MODERATE
The bill was finalized and enrolled for signature, retaining its core purpose of establishing temporary judges for Mobile County when the elected probate judge is unavailable. The text includes minor formatting corrections and a specific addition clarifying that the elected judge retains their salary and benefits during their term. A notable technical error remains in the text where the phrase 'in addition theretoto' appears, likely a typo for 'in addition thereto'.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on Mobile County, Alabama, with no changes to its geographic or subject-matter applicability.
TECHNICAL

The bill status changed from 'Introduced' to 'Enrolled', indicating it has passed all legislative stages and is ready for the Governor's signature.

A new sentence was added clarifying that the elected judge of probate keeps their salary and benefits during their term of office.

Minor formatting inconsistencies were corrected, such as removing redundant line breaks and fixing the header text.

A likely typographical error remains in the text where 'in addition theretoto' is written instead of 'in addition thereto'.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
16
Key actions
5
Committee
3
Mar 31, 2026
Lower · Passed
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1050
lower
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Pending Committee Action in Second House (Mobile County Legislation)
lower
Mar 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 809
upper
Mar 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported Out of Committee House of Origin
upper
Mar 5, 2026
Upper · Passed
Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Mobile County Legislation)
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of David Sessions
David Sessions
RRepublican
AL
35