SB377 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jimmy Holley
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2012
Title: Sheriffs, certain additional minimum qualifications
Summary: SB377 would set stricter minimum qualifications for anyone elected or appointed to the office of sheriff in Alabama.
What This Bill Does
If passed, the bill requires sheriff candidates or appointees to be U.S. citizens, to have lived in the county for at least one year and in Alabama for at least three years before qualifying, to be an elector registered to vote in the county for at least one year, to be at least 25 years old, to have a high school diploma or GED, to have three or more years of law enforcement experience with arrest powers or a criminal justice degree, and to have never been convicted of a felony. These requirements apply in addition to any other qualifications required by law. The act would take effect immediately after the governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects
Prospective sheriffs (candidates for sheriff) and appointed sheriffs — must meet the new citizenship, residency, voting eligibility, age, education, and law enforcement or criminal justice qualifications, as well as the felony prohibition.
Current sheriffs or individuals being appointed to sheriff positions who seek election or continued service — must meet the new minimum qualifications when qualifying or continuing in office, with the act becoming effective upon governor's approval.

Key Provisions
Must be a United States citizen.
Must have county residency of at least one year and Alabama residency of at least three years immediately prior to qualification date.
Must be an elector and have been registered to vote in the county for at least one year before qualifying.
Must be at least 25 years old prior to qualifying.
Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Must have three or more years of prior law enforcement service with arrest powers or hold a degree in criminal justice from an accredited college or university.
Must have never been convicted of a felony.
Effective date: immediately after the governor signs the bill into law.

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