SB435 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 25, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Del Marsh
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Animal Control Officer, training and certification, Alabama Animal Control Association, Alabama Peace Officers' Standard and Training Commission, develop uniform program, continuing education
Summary: SB435 would create a statewide, uniform training and certification program for county and municipal animal control officers in Alabama, including continuing education and possible advanced certification for weapon and arrest powers.
What This Bill Does
The bill establishes a state process for training and certifying animal control officers, setting minimum standards and requiring ongoing education. The Alabama Animal Control Association (AACA) would develop and administer the certification curriculum, with input from multiple related agencies, and oversee implementation within specified timelines. Advanced certification to carry weapons and make arrests would require additional certification from the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission (APOST). AACA must report progress to the Legislature, and the law would take effect after a defined constitutional period.

Who It Affects
County and municipal animal control officers who would need to complete the training, meet minimum standards, become certified, and may gain authority to issue citations and, with advancing certification, carry certain tools or weapons.
Alabama Animal Control Association (AACA), which would develop, implement, and oversee the uniform training and certification program and continuing education.
Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission (APOST), which would handle advanced certification related to weapon carrying and arrest authority for certain officers.
Counties and municipalities that employ animal control officers, as they would implement the program and rely on certified officers.

Key Provisions
Section 1 defines an animal control officer, outlines certification requirements (minimum standards training, including citations, search and seizure, animal handling, cruelty investigations, and officer safety), and clarifies that advanced powers (arrests, carrying weapons) require higher certification from APOST.
Section 2 requires the Alabama Animal Control Association (AACA) to develop and implement a uniform training and certification curriculum within two years of the act’s effective date, plus a continuing education program to be in place within one year thereafter, with input from related organizations and agencies.
Section 3 lists required curriculum topics for minimum state certification, including laws, animal health, humane care, transport, handling, cruelty investigations, court procedures, reporting, communications, safety, and use of deterrent devices; it also provides for an advanced certification pathway for armed officers.
Section 4 requires AACA to report to the Legislature by the 2015 Regular Session on progress and propose any needed legislation for mandatory compliance.
Section 5 states the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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: Animal Control Officer