Alabama § 12-17-144 - Prior Service Credit.

Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 12-17-144 — Prior Service Credit., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12-17-144. Prior Service Credit.

(a) Prior service credit may be obtained by a clerk or register in office on October 1, 1976, for years served in the individual capacity of clerk or register on a continuous basis. Prior service credit must either be for time served as clerk or as register without allowance for service as both clerk and register; provided, that prior service credit for each individual position may not be combined. A person seeking to qualify as supernumerary clerk shall count only time served as clerk, and one seeking to qualify as supernumerary register shall count only time served as register. Prior service credit may also be obtained by a clerk or register for any years served in the capacity of probate judge, provided such service as probate judge was continuous. If any person subject to the provisions of this division shall seek to obtain prior service as either clerk or register, he shall contribute to the Clerks’ and Registers’ Supernumerary Fund, State of Alabama, for each year for which prior service credit is sought up to a maximum of 15 years. No official under this division shall be eligible for prior service credit to become supernumerary unless payments as provided hereinafter have been paid. However, any official who otherwise qualifies may become eligible upon October 1, 1978, or within two years thereof, by paying in a lump sum computed on the basis of the formula enumerated in this section or by paying such sum into the appropriate fund, in equal installments, with no interest, over a two-year period from October 1, 1978; provided, that no compensation benefits shall accrue to any official electing to become supernumerary hereunder until all contributions have been paid.

(b) Payments necessary for prior service credit shall be computed as follows:

(1) Circuit clerks shall contribute an amount equal to five percent of their salary or, if on fees, the base sum payable by the state as salary to circuit clerks pursuant to Section 12-17-92, for each year for which prior service credit is sought; and

(2) Circuit registers shall contribute an amount equal to five percent of the highest net annual income received for services rendered for any one year of the three years next preceding February 14, 1975.

Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 12-17-144

What does Code of Alabama § 12-17-144 cover?

Section 12-17-144 ("Prior Service Credit.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Alabama § 12-17-144?

A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 12-17-144" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Alabama law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.

How does Alabama § 12-17-144 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.