On Tuesday, Alabama Rep. Prince Chestnut, D-Selma, brought two bills before the Alabama House of Representatives aimed at reforming the Judicial Article of the Alabama Constitution.

Chestnut was part of a group of lawyers, judges and legal professionals who took part in a “meticulous and comprehensive review” of the article for the first time since 1973.

“I am humbled and honored to be chosen by leaders and scholars in the Alabama Judiciary to take on this awesome responsibility in the House and get these transformational changes to our judicial system closer to the finish line,” Chestnut said.

The bill being carried in the Alabama House by Chestnut originated in the Alabama Senate, where it was introduced by Alabama Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur.

The legislation tackles a number of issues within the judicial system, including setting the required age of retirement for judges at 70, removing appointment powers from the Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice in regard to the Administrative Director of Courts and more.

During the session, which lasted until nearly midnight, Chestnut said controversy arose regarding the retirement age for judges – some lawmakers wanted to bump the age up to 75, but an amendment that would have accomplished that was defeated by a large margin.

In relation to the Administrative Director of Courts, Chestnut said that position will now be voted on by the full Alabama Supreme Court, rather than appointed by the Chief Justice, which will provide continuity to a position that has changed hands multiple times in the last few years.

“What has occurred over the last 30 years is that the Director has usually changed whenever a new chief justice is elected,” Chestnut said. “That has affected efficiency and stability with the judicial system.”

The bill also addresses due process rights of judges accused of wrongdoing.

Chestnut’s legislation cleared the Alabama House 97-4 and, because it is a constitutional amendment, will go before voters for final approval next year.