HB116 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Johnny Mack Morrow
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Franklin Co., creation of volunteer security forces at schools, role of sheriff and co. board of education
Summary: HB116 would allow Franklin County public K-12 schools to form volunteer emergency security forces staffed by current or retired school employees and local residents, under the supervision of the sheriff or local police and the local board of education.
What This Bill Does
Principals can request volunteers if safety is not adequately protected. The sheriff or chief of police reviews the volunteer list and can initiate the security force program, with a crisis plan for each school that covers weapon storage and use, approved by law enforcement. Volunteers become reserve officers without arrest power, receive training, operate under supervision, may be reimbursed for expenses, and are indemnified by the state for acts within scope of service; the local board oversees implementation and funds related training and equipment.

Who It Affects
Students and staff at Franklin County public K-12 schools, whose safety could be enhanced by a volunteer security force and related crisis planning.
Volunteer emergency security force members (current/retired school employees and local residents), along with the sheriff/chief of police and the local board of education, who participate in training, supervision, weapon handling, and program funding and oversight.

Key Provisions
Principals may request volunteers if student safety is not adequately protected, creating an emergency security force from current/retired staff and local residents.
The sheriff or chief of police reviews volunteers, determines if there are enough suitable people, and may initiate the emergency security force program; volunteer identities are protected where possible.
A crisis plan is created with the district and law enforcement, detailing actions, weapon storage, and when weapons may be used; all weapons/equipment require approval from the sheriff or chief of police.
Volunteer members are classified as reserve deputy sheriffs or reserve officers, serve at the pleasure of the sheriff/chief, have no arrest power, and receive training and supervision from law enforcement.
Law enforcement may provide self-defense or other training; bus drivers may receive training for self-defense and use of nonlethal weapons.
Volunteer service is unpaid, but volunteers may be reimbursed for necessary expenses; boards may provide salary supplements.
Training and equipment costs are paid by the local board of education from funds set aside for this purpose.
The state provides indemnification for volunteers and related officials for acts within the scope of service, with certain exceptions for intentional or willful misconduct.
Each local board of education is responsible for implementing the act within its schools.
The act becomes effective immediately after approval by the Governor.

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