Montgomery County, probate judge compensation further provided for
Summary
SB337 is a local bill affecting Montgomery County that amends Section 45-51-84 of the Code of Alabama to revise the compensation structure for the Montgomery County judge of probate. The bill keeps the existing base salary framework but continues the provision that ties the probate judge’s pay to county employee raises, subject to the current cap on annual increases.
The bill also preserves and clarifies a special salary parity rule: once an individual has served at least six full years as Montgomery County judge of probate, that person’s total compensation must equal the salary of a circuit judge with the same years of service. That compensation is stated to be in lieu of any other compensation otherwise provided by law. The act would take effect on June 1, 2025.
Impact
The bill would amend a local statute governing Montgomery County and directly affect the compensation of the county’s judge of probate. It would continue to require payment from the Montgomery County Commission’s general fund and maintain the linkage between probate judge pay and county employee salary increases, while also preserving the six-year service threshold for circuit-judge-level compensation. No broader statewide program is created, but the bill changes the pay rules for this one county office.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill was not controversial in the House of Origin, passing unanimously with 24 yeas and 0 nays on the relevant readings and final passage vote. There are no committee transcripts indicating debate or opposition, and the bill remained pending committee action in the second house at the time provided. Overall, the recorded sentiment appears favorable and largely procedural.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Because the bill concerns compensation for a county constitutional officer, any potential concerns would likely center on salary levels, parity with circuit judges, and the fiscal impact on the Montgomery County general fund, but no member objections or competing positions are recorded here. The unanimous votes indicate little visible opposition at the stage shown.