Daphne, Ala. — A new law set to take effect will change the landscape of jury trials in Baldwin County by allowing for the use of satellite courthouses in Foley and Fairhope. This change comes after the state Senate approved a bill that removes previous limitations on how often these courthouses can be utilized.
The measure passed during the final day of the legislative session, lifting a previous cap of 175 days on the use of satellite courthouses. Additionally, it establishes a framework for conducting jury trials in these locations, pending the signature of Governor Kay Ivey to become law.
State Representative Matt Simpson, a Republican from Daphne, noted that while it’s uncertain if trials will be held outside the county seat of Bay Minette, delivering the option for non-jury hearings in Foley and Fairhope should ease overcrowding at the primary courthouse. The situation has been exacerbated by the recent addition of two judgeships and the anticipated new position to be created following the upcoming election.
Simpson emphasized the significance of the new law, expressing that he was acutely aware of the pressing need for more courtroom space. He stated that key local officials, including the circuit judge, the County Commission, and the county sheriff, had all identified this issue as a top priority following discussions after last year’s legislative session.
The bill faced challenges in the Senate primarily due to a dispute over school funding involving the Baldwin County Public School System and the city school systems in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Senator Chris Elliott, a Republican from Josephine, had initially delayed the measure due to these unrelated concerns. However, he later recognized the urgency of the courthouse bill and chose to allow it to move forward.
Elliott acknowledged support for the goals of the courthouse legislation but remains focused on addressing the school funding matter, which he views as unjust. The current arrangement allocates sales tax revenue collected in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores to the county school system, a result of an agreement made when the towns established their own schools. Elliott believes there was an informal understanding to revisit this funding issue after the debt related to new school facilities was settled.
Going forward, Elliott is committed to advocating for changes in the school funding formula and plans to leverage various strategies to sway his colleagues in the Baldwin delegation.
This shift in operational capabilities for the courthouses is seen as a vital adjustment for the judicial system in Baldwin County, aiming to better meet the needs of the community while ensuring access to justice for all residents.
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