HB685 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tommy Sherer
Democrat
Co-Sponsor: Ken Guin
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Walker Co., supernumerary sheriff program established, qualifications, duties, appointment, elections, compensation, retroactive operation, disability coverage
Summary: This act creates the office of supernumerary sheriff in Walker County and sets eligibility, appointment, funding, and retirement benefits for qualified sheriffs or former sheriffs who elect to participate.
What This Bill Does
It establishes a new position called a supernumerary sheriff in Walker County and outlines two paths to eligibility: (1) a sheriff or ex-sheriff with eight years in law enforcement (four as sheriff) who becomes physically unable to serve full-time, or (2) a person with 25 years in Walker County law enforcement (eight as sheriff) who is at least 45 years old. Eligible individuals may elect to participate by filing a declaration with the Governor within specified timeframes, and the Governor may commission the supernumerary sheriff and fill the vacated sheriff’s office by appointment. The bill requires a 6% monthly salary deduction from participating sheriffs into the county general fund, provides retirement and survivor benefits funded by the county, and allows for cost-of-living increases and coordination with other retirement plans. It also repeals conflicting laws, preserves severability, and becomes effective immediately after passage.

Who It Affects
Current Walker County sheriffs who meet the eligibility criteria and may elect to participate
Former Walker County sheriffs who meet the eligibility criteria and may elect to participate
The Walker County general fund, which would receive salary deductions and fund retirement benefits
The Governor, who issues commissions and fills vacant sheriff positions by appointment
Spouses and designated beneficiaries of participating or deceased supernumerary sheriffs

Key Provisions
Section 1 establishes the office of supernumerary sheriff and sets two eligibility pathways: (a) 8 years in law enforcement with 4 years as sheriff and confirmed disability; (b) 25 years in Walker County law enforcement, 8 as sheriff, and age 45.
Section 1 also allows eligible sheriffs to elect participation by filing a declaration with the Governor within specified timeframes, after which the Governor issues a commission and the vacancy is filled by appointment.
Section 2 mandates a 6% monthly salary deduction from participating sheriffs into the county general fund, with provisions for vesting, repayment if tenure ends early, and death benefits payable to beneficiaries.
Section 3 provides an 85% monthly salary benefit after completing service in office, with no simultaneous receipt of other supernumerary or disability payments, and specifies funding from the county general fund.
Section 4 grants a cost-of-living adjustment to supernumeraries based on the same percentage increase given to the in-office sheriff.
Section 5 requires eligible sheriffs to elect and notify which retirement plan they will participate in if they are also eligible for other retirement benefits, within 60 days of becoming eligible under this act.
Section 6 repeals laws that conflict with the act; Section 7 provides severability; Section 8 states the act becomes effective immediately after passage.

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