HB45 Alabama 2015 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2015

Title

Briarwood Presbyterian Church, law enforcement officers with state police powers, employment authorized

Summary

HB45 lets Briarwood Presbyterian Church hire police officers with state police powers to protect its campus, under specific limits.

What This Bill Does

The church's Board of Trustees can appoint and employ one or more people to serve as police officers to protect the church and its ministries. These officers would have all the duties and powers of law enforcement officers in Alabama, but their authority would be limited to Briarwood’s campuses and properties. Officers must be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and meet its requirements, including continuing education. The act takes effect immediately after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Briarwood Presbyterian Church leadership (Board of Trustees) who would appoint and manage the church police officers.
• People on Briarwood campuses and properties (members, staff, visitors, vendors) who would be subject to the church officers’ authority while on church property.

Key Provisions

• Board of Trustees may appoint and employ one or more persons to act as police officers to protect the safety and integrity of the church and its ministries.
• Appointed officers have the same duties and powers as law enforcement officers in Alabama.
• Officers must be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and must meet continuing education requirements.
• Officer authority is limited to Briarwood Presbyterian Church campuses and properties.
• The act becomes effective immediately after passage and 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

Briarwood Presbyterian Church