(a) Judges on fees. After October 1, 1976, each probate judge compensated by fees who elects to come under the provisions of Article 1 of this chapter or who comes under the provisions of Article 1 of this chapter by operation of law shall contribute to the Judicial Retirement Fund annually, payable in equal monthly installments, four and one-half percent of a sum, hereinafter referred to as the "base sum," that is, 90 percent of the annual state compensation now authorized by law to be paid to circuit judges in Alabama; provided, that, after February 1, 1977, the rate of contribution to be paid by such judge shall be six percent of his salary derived from the State of Alabama, but such increased rate of contribution shall not be effective until February 1, 1977. For all pay dates beginning on or after October 1, 2011, the contribution to be paid by the judges shall be eight and one-quarter percent (8.25%) of their salary. For all pay dates beginning on or after October 1, 2012, the rate of contribution to be paid by the judges shall be eight and one-half percent (8.5%) of their salary. The base sum shall be adjusted up or down in accordance with and equal to future changes that are made in the state compensation of such circuit judges. Such percentage shall be paid by each such probate judge into the Judicial Retirement Fund in the State Treasury and credited to the individual account of the probate judge from whose fees it was paid.

(b) Judges on salary. After October 1, 1976, each probate judge compensated by salary who elects to come under the provisions of Article 1 of this chapter or who comes under the provisions of Article 1 of this chapter by operation of law shall contribute to the Judicial Retirement Fund annually, payable in equal monthly installments, four and one-half percent of his salary; provided, that, after February 1, 1977, the rate of contribution to be paid by such judge shall be six percent of his salary derived from the State of Alabama, but such increased rate of contribution shall not be effective until February 1, 1977. For all pay dates beginning on or after October 1, 2011, the contribution to be paid by the judges shall be eight and one-quarter percent (8.25%) of their salary. For all pay dates beginning on or after October 1, 2012, the rate of contribution to be paid by the judges shall be eight and one-half percent (8.5%) of their salary. Such percentage shall be paid into the Judicial Retirement Fund in the State Treasury and credited to the individual account of the probate judge from whose salary it was deducted.