SB420 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Hinton Mitchem
Democrat
Co-Sponsor: Tom Butler
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: District attorneys, investigators, appointment authorized, duties, powers and authority of other law enforcement officers
Summary: SB420 would let district attorneys in Alabama appoint investigators who meet standards and have the same powers as other law enforcement officers.
What This Bill Does
The bill lets the district attorney in any judicial circuit appoint a chief investigator and other investigators who serve at the DA's pleasure. These investigators must meet minimum law enforcement standards and hold POST certification, and they would have the same authority as deputy sheriffs and other officers. Local laws that currently authorize such appointments would continue to operate, and if repealed or amended, the DA could appoint investigators under this act. The act becomes effective immediately after the governor approves it.

Who It Affects
District attorneys and their offices would gain authority to appoint investigators who report to the DA and exercise law enforcement powers.
Counties with existing local acts authorizing investigator appointments would continue to operate under those acts, and may transition to appointing investigators under this act if those local acts are repealed.

Key Provisions
Allows the district attorney of any judicial circuit to appoint a chief investigator and additional investigators who serve at the DA's pleasure.
Investigators must meet minimum standards for law enforcement and hold current POST certification, and have the same powers as deputy sheriffs and other law enforcement officers.
Local acts authorizing investigator appointments may continue; this act does not supersede them until repealed, and when repealed, the DA may appoint investigators under this act.
The act becomes effective immediately following the governor's 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