Courts; to further provide for the election of justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the appellate courts

SB284 INTRODUCED
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SB284
YMZG422-1
By Senator Singleton
RFD: Judiciary
First Read: 10-Feb-26
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YMZG422-1 02/09/2026 PMG (L)cr 2026-741
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First Read: 10-Feb-26
SYNOPSIS:
Under existing law, the Chief Justice and eight
associate justices of the Alabama Supreme Court are
elected by popular vote from the state at large.
Under existing law, the judges of the Court of
Criminal Appeals and the Court of Civil Appeals are
elected by popular vote from the state at large.
Under existing law, the presiding judge of the
Court of Criminal Appeals is elected from the members
of the court.
Under existing law, the presiding judge of the
Court of Civil Appeals automatically goes to the
longest serving judge on the court.
This bill would provide that the Chief Justice
of the Supreme Court and the presiding judges of the
Court of Criminal Appeals and Court of Civil Appeals be
elected by popular vote from the state at large.
This bill would provide for the election of
associate justices of the Supreme Court and judges of
the appellate courts by district and would provide for
the districts.
Under existing law, the seats on the Supreme
Court and the Courts of Appeals have been given place
names.
This bill would modify the place names for
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This bill would modify the place names for
certain existing seats on the Supreme Court and Courts
of Appeals.
This bill would also repeal the existing law
relating to the selection of the presiding judge of the
Courts of Appeals.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to courts; to amend Sections 12-2-1, 12-3-2,
12-3-3, 17-6-48, and 17-6-48.1, Code of Alabama 1975, to
further provide for the election of justices of the Supreme
Court and judges of the appellate courts; and to repeal
Sections 12-3-4 and 12-3-5, Code of Alabama 1975.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. Sections 12-2-1, 12-3-2, 12-3-3, 17-6-48,
and 17-6-48.1, Code of Alabama 1975, are amended to read as
follows:
"§12-2-1
(a) The Supreme Court, except as otherwise provided,
shall consist of a chief justice and eight associate justices,
who shall be elected by the qualified electors of the state at
the general elections as provided by law for the election of
members of the House of Representatives in Congress and who
shall hold their offices for the term of six years from the
first Monday after the second Tuesday in January next
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first Monday after the second Tuesday in January next
succeeding their election and until their successors are
elected and qualified. Subject to the provisions of the
Constitution respecting filling of vacancies in judicial
offices, members of the Supreme Court shall be elected as
follows: The Chief Justice and three associate justices shall
be elected at the general election in November, 1976, two
associate justices shall be elected at the general election in
November, 1978, and three associate justices shall be elected
at the general election in November, 1980. Thereafter members
of the Supreme Court shall be elected in the general election
next preceding the expiration of the respective term for which
the incumbent holds office.
(b)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), commencing with
the 2028 General Election, justices of the Supreme Court shall
be elected as follows:
a. The chief justice shall be elected from the state at
large in the 2030 General Election.
b. The associate justice in Place 1, as provided in
Section 17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2030 General
Election from the first State Board of Education District, as
provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
c. The associate justice in Place 2, as provided in
Section 17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2030 General
Election from the second State Board of Education District, as
provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
d. The associate justice in Place 3, as provided in
Section 17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2030 General
Election from the third State Board of Education District, as
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Election from the third State Board of Education District, as
provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
e. The associate justice in Place 4, as provided in
Section 17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2030 General
Election from the fourth State Board of Education District, as
provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
f. The associate justice in Place 5, as provided in
Section 17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2028 General
Election from the fifth State Board of Education District, as
provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
g. The associate justice in Place 6, as provided in
Section 17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2028 General
Election from the sixth State Board of Education District, as
provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
h. The associate justice in Place 7, as provided in
Section 17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2032 General
Election from the seventh State Board of Education District,
as provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
i. The associate justice in Place 8, as provided in
Section 17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2032 General
Election from the eighth State Board of Education District, as
provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
(2) All justices elected pursuant to this subsection
shall serve a six-year term of office.
(3) A vacancy in the office of a justice of the Supreme
Court shall be filled as provided by Section 153 of the
Constitution of Alabama of 2022.
(4) A candidate for associate justice for a district
shall have been a qualified elector of this state and a
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shall have been a qualified elector of this state and a
resident of the district for at least one year prior to the
qualification deadline date for candidacy in addition to other
qualifications which may be prescribed by general law.
(5) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to
terminate the term of a justice in office on January 1, 2027.
(b)(c) Persons elected to the Supreme Court, or
appointed to fill a vacant term of office on the Supreme
Court, after January 1, 2010, must have been licensed by the
Alabama State Bar Association a combined total of 10 years or
more, or by any other state bar association for a combined
total of 10 years or more, prior to beginning a term of office
or appointment to serve a vacant term of office."
"§12-3-2
(a)(1) The offices of the three judges of the Court of
Criminal Appeals that were filled in the general election of
1970 pursuant to Act No. 987 of the 1969 Regular Session of
the Legislature shall be filled by election from the state at
large in the general election held each six years thereafter,
or as the end of the term of such office may thereafter occur
pursuant to the Constitution.
(b)(2) The offices of the two judges of the Court of
Criminal Appeals that were filled in the general election of
1972 pursuant to Act No. 75 of the 1971 Third Special Session
of the Legislature shall be filled by election from the state
at large in the general election held each six years
thereafter, or as the end of the term of such office may
thereafter occur pursuant to the Constitution.
(b)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), commencing with
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(b)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), commencing with
the 2028 General Election, judges shall be elected as follows:
a. The presiding judge shall be elected from the state
at large at the 2028 General Election.
b. The judge in Place 1, as provided in Section
17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2030 General Election from
the first and second State Board of Education Districts, as
provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
c. The judge in Place 2, as provided in Section
17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2030 General Election from
the fourth and fifth State Board of Education Districts, as
provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
d. The judge in Place 3, as provided in Section
17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2030 General Election from
the third and sixth State Board of Education Districts, as
provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
e. The judge in Place 4, as provided in Section
17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2032 General Election from
the seventh and eighth State Board of Education Districts, as
provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
(2) A vacancy in the office of a judge shall be filled
as provided by Section 153 of the Constitution of Alabama of
2022.
(3) A candidate for associate judge for a district
shall have been a qualified elector of this state and a
resident of the district for at least one year prior to the
qualification deadline date for candidacy in addition to other
qualifications which may be prescribed by general law.
(4) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to
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(4) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to
terminate the term of a judge in office on January 1, 2027.
(c) The presiding judge of the Court of Criminal
Appeals may from time to time designate panels of three judges
to decide cases submitted to saidthe court ;, provided , that
the concurrence of three of the five judges shall be required
for each decision."
"§12-3-3
(a) The offices of the judges of the Court of Civil
Appeals that were filled at the general election in 1972 for
terms of two, four , and six years pursuant to Act No. 987 of
the 1969 Regular Session of the Legislature shall , at the
general election immediately preceding the expiration of said
respective terms, shall be filled by election from the state
at large for terms of six years, and shall likewise be filled
by election from the state at large each six years thereafter,
or as the end of the term of each such office may thereafter
occur pursuant to the Constitution.
(b)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), commencing with
the 2028 General Election, judges shall be elected as follows:
a. The presiding judge shall be elected from the state
at large at the 2028 General Election.
b. The judge in Place 1, as provided in Section
17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2030 General Election from
the first and second State Board of Education Districts, as
provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
c. The judge in Place 2, as provided in Section
17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2030 General Election from
the fourth and fifth State Board of Education Districts, as
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the fourth and fifth State Board of Education Districts, as
provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
d. The judge in Place 3, as provided in Section
17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2030 General Election from
the third and sixth State Board of Education Districts, as
provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
e. The judge in Place 4, as provided in Section
17-6-48.1, shall be elected in the 2032 General Election from
the seventh and eighth State Board of Education Districts, as
provided in Chapter 3 of Title 16.
(2) A vacancy in the office of a judge shall be filled
as provided by Section 153 of the Constitution of Alabama of
2022.
(3) A candidate for associate judge for a district
shall have been a qualified elector of this state and a
resident of the district for at least one year prior to the
qualification deadline date for candidacy in addition to other
qualifications which may be prescribed by general law.
(4) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to
terminate the term of a judge in office on January 1, 2027.
(b) In the event the number of judges on the court is
increased to more than three, unless otherwise provided by the
act increasing the number of judges, the Governor shall make
appointments of the additional judges so that, as nearly as
may be, one third of the members of such court shall be
elected each second year. "
"§17-6-48
In all primary and general elections of associate
justices of the Supreme Court of Alabama, justices of the
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justices of the Supreme Court of Alabama, justices of the
courts of appeals of Alabama, judges of the circuit and
district courts, and associate members of the public service
commission, wherein where two or more of such justices,
judges , or officers are to be elected at the same time, each
of such the places to be filled shall be designated by number
by the Secretary of State."
"§17-6-48.1
(a) Beginning with the 2022 statewide election, the
following offices on the supreme court, court of criminal
appeals, and court of civil appeals shall be permanently
identified as follows:
(1) The supreme court:
a. The office of associate justice identified as "Place
No. 1" on the 2018 statewide election ballot shall be "Place
1" on the supreme court.
b. The office of associate justice identified as "Place
No. 2" on the 2018 statewide election ballot shall be "Place
2" on the supreme court.
c. The office of associate justice identified as "Place
No. 3" on the 2018 statewide election ballot shall be "Place
3" on the supreme court.
d. The office of associate justice identified as "Place
No. 4" on the 2018 statewide election ballot shall be "Place
4" on the supreme court.
e. The office of associate justice identified as "Place
No. 1" on the 2016 statewide election ballot shall be "Place
5" on the supreme court.
f. The office of associate justice identified as "Place
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f. The office of associate justice identified as "Place
No. 2" on the 2016 statewide election ballot shall be "Place
6" on the supreme court.
g. The office of associate justice identified as "Place
No. 3" on the 2016 statewide election ballot shall be "Place
7" on the supreme court.
h. The office of associate justice identified as "Place
No. 1" on the 2014 statewide election ballot shall be "Place
8" on the supreme court.
(2)a. The court of criminal appeals:
a.1. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 1" on
the 2018 statewide election ballot shall be "Place 1" on the
court of criminal appeals.
b.2. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 2" on
the 2018 statewide election ballot shall be "Place 2" on the
court of criminal appeals.
c.3. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 3" on
the 2018 statewide election ballot shall be "Place 3" on the
court of criminal appeals.
d.4. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 1" on
the 2014 statewide election ballot shall be "Place 4" on the
court of criminal appeals.
e.5. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 2" on
the 2014 statewide election ballot shall be "Place 5" on the
court of criminal appeals.
b. Commencing with the 2028 General Election, the court
of criminal appeals:
1. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 1" on
the 2030 election ballot shall be "Place 1" on the court of
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the 2030 election ballot shall be "Place 1" on the court of
criminal appeals.
2. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 2" on
the 2030 election ballot shall be "Place 2" on the court of
criminal appeals.
3. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 3" on
the 2030 election ballot shall be "Place 3" on the court of
criminal appeals.
4. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 4" on
the 2032 election ballot shall be "Place 4" on the court of
criminal appeals.
c. Beginning on January 1, 2027, until the date the
presiding judge is elected statewide, as provided in Section
12-2-1, the judge in Place 4 shall continue to serve as the
presiding judge.
(3)a. The court of civil appeals:
a.1. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 1" on
the 2018 statewide election ballot shall be "Place 1" on the
court of civil appeals.
b.2. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 2" on
the 2018 statewide election ballot shall be "Place 2" on the
court of civil appeals.
c.3. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 3" on
the 2018 statewide election ballot shall be "Place 3" on the
court of civil appeals.
d.4. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 1" on
the 2014 statewide election ballot shall be "Place 4" on the
court of civil appeals.
e.5. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 2" on
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e.5. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 2" on
the 2014 statewide election ballot shall be "Place 5" on the
court of civil appeals.
b. Commencing with the 2028 General Election, the court
of civil appeals:
1. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 1" on
the 2030 election ballot shall be "Place 1" on the court of
civil appeals.
2. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 2" on
the 2030 election ballot shall be "Place 2" on the court of
civil appeals.
3. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 3" on
the 2030 election ballot shall be "Place 3" on the court of
civil appeals.
4. The office of judge identified as "Place No. 4" on
the 2032 election ballot shall be "Place 4" on the court of
civil appeals.
c. Beginning on January 1, 2027, until the date the
presiding judge is elected statewide, as provided in Section
12-2-1, the judge in Place 4 shall continue to serve as the
presiding judge.
(b) The clerks of the supreme court, the court of civil
appeals, and the court of criminal appeals shall provide
written notification of election ballot placement to the
Secretary of State and make the same available to any
political party's executive director."
Section 2. Nothing in the amendatory language added on
January 1, 2027, to Sections 12-2-1, 12-3-2, or 12-3-3, Code
of Alabama 1975, is intended to affect how a judgeship is
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of Alabama 1975, is intended to affect how a judgeship is
filled upon a vacancy of a seat before the end of the term for
that judgeship.
Section 3. Sections 12-3-4 and 12-3-5 of the Code of
Alabama 1975, relating to the presiding judges of the Courts
of Appeals and the residency requirements of a judge, are
repealed.
Section 4. This act shall become effective on January
1, 2027, and shall be contingent on the ratification of a
constitutional amendment to amend Section 152 of the
Constitution of Alabama of 2022 providing that associate
justices of the Alabama Supreme Court and judges of the courts
of appeals shall be elected by districts.
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