HB681 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Yusuf Salaam

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

District attorneys, investigators, appointment authorized, duties, powers and authority of other law enforcement officers

Summary

HB681 would let Alabama district attorneys appoint investigators who meet minimum law enforcement standards and have the same powers as other officers, while preserving existing local appointment laws.

What This Bill Does

The district attorney of any judicial circuit could appoint a chief investigator and additional investigators to serve at the DA's pleasure. Investigators must meet minimum standards for law enforcement and hold POST certification. They would have the same power and authority as deputy sheriffs and other law enforcement officers and be paid like other DA staff. Local acts that currently authorize investigator appointments would remain in effect; if a local act is repealed, the DA may appoint investigators under this act.

Who It Affects

• District attorneys and their offices in Alabama – they would gain authority to hire investigators who can enforce laws and carry police powers.
• Counties with existing local acts authorizing investigators – those acts would continue to govern appointments and powers until repealed; if repealed, the DA could appoint investigators under this act.

Key Provisions

• Section 1: The district attorney may appoint a chief investigator and additional investigators who serve at the district attorney's pleasure; they must meet minimum standards for law enforcement and hold POST certification; they have the same power as deputy sheriffs and other law enforcement officers; they are paid like other DA staff.
• Section 2 (and 3): Local acts authorizing investigator appointments remain in effect; the act does not supersede existing local acts on the effective date or later acts unless expressly repealed; upon repeal of a local act, the district attorney may appoint investigators under this act; the act becomes effective immediately upon passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

District Attorneys