HB209 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Paul DeMarcoAlan Boothe

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Homeland Security Department, authorized to hire police officers and special agents for enforcement of laws, subject to same benefits, compensation, and standards and training as officers and agents of Public Safety Department

Summary

HB209 would allow Alabama's Homeland Security Department to hire state police officers and special agents with powers to enforce state laws, on par with Public Safety officers.

What This Bill Does

The bill lets the Alabama Department of Homeland Security hire APOS T-certified state police officers and special agents to help enforce state laws. These officers would have the same powers, benefits, compensation, standards, and training as Department of Public Safety officers, and the ADHS Director could issue rules to implement these changes. It also repeals conflicting provisions in Section 31-9A-9 and specifies an effective start date after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Alabama Department of Homeland Security and its future officers and special agents: authorized to hire and maintain APOS T-certified officers and grant them state-wide law enforcement powers with DPS-like benefits and training.
• Alabama residents: could see expanded state law enforcement presence and enforcement actions carried out by ADHS officers under DPS-like standards.

Key Provisions

• Allow the Alabama Department of Homeland Security to hire, appoint, and maintain APOS-certified state police officers and special agents to assist with enforcement of state laws.
• Give the department, its officers, and agents the same powers, authority, benefits, compensation, and standards and training as those prescribed to DPS officers under Title 32, and align peace officer standards and training with DPS.
• Repeal conflicting provisions in Section 31-9A-9, Code of Alabama 1975.
• Authorize the Director of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security to promulgate rules necessary to implement the act.
• Provide that the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Homeland Security Department