SB312 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 25, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Trip Pittman
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Baldwin Co., sheriffs, additional qualifications, continuing education
Summary: SB312 adds specific qualifications for Baldwin County sheriffs and requires annual continuing education for the office.
What This Bill Does
It requires anyone qualifying for election or appointment as Baldwin County sheriff to meet new minimum qualifications (citizenship, at least one year of residency in the county, county elector status and voter registration for at least one year, high school diploma or GED, age 25 or older, at least three years of law enforcement experience with arrest power, and no felony conviction). It also requires the sheriff to complete at least 12 hours of executive-level continuing education each year, approved by the Alabama or National Sheriff's Association, with certification filed with the judge of probate by December 31. The act applies only to Baldwin County, does not apply to a supernumerary sheriff, and takes effect immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects
Candidates for the Baldwin County Sheriff (and any person appointed to serve as sheriff) who must meet the new minimum qualifications.
The Baldwin County Sheriff (incumbent or future sheriff) who must complete 12 hours of annual continuing education and file certification with the judge of probate each year.

Key Provisions
Section 2(a): Sets minimum qualifications for anyone qualifying for election or appointment as Baldwin County sheriff (citizenship, one-year county residency, elector status and county voter registration for at least one year, high school diploma or GED, age 25+, three or more years of law enforcement service with arrest power, and no felony conviction).
Section 2(b): Requires the sheriff to complete a minimum of 12 hours of executive-level continuing education annually, approved by the Alabama Sheriff's Association or the National Sheriff's Association, with certification filed with the county judge of probate by December 31.
Section 3: Excludes a supernumerary sheriff from the act.
Section 4: Becomes effective immediately after passage and governor's approval.
Section 1: Clarifies the act applies only to Baldwin County.

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