HB487 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Richard Lindsey
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Cherokee Co., sheriffs, additional qualifications, continuing education
Summary: HB487 sets new eligibility rules and ongoing education requirements for anyone elected or appointed as Cherokee County sheriff, applying only to Cherokee County.
What This Bill Does
It requires sheriff candidates or appointees to meet specific qualifications: US citizenship, at least one year as a county resident, registered voter for at least one year, high school diploma or GED, age 25 or older, at least 3 years of law enforcement experience, 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 Sheriff's Association or the National Sheriff's Association, with certification filed with the county judge of probate by December 31. The act does not apply to supernumerary sheriffs and takes effect immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects
People running for or being appointed as Cherokee County sheriff, who must meet the new minimum qualifications.
The Cherokee County judge of probate, who must receive annual continuing education certifications from the sheriff by December 31.

Key Provisions
Section 2(a): minimum qualifications for sheriff candidates/appointments (citizenship, county residency, elector status and registration, high school diploma/GED, age 25+, 3+ years law enforcement experience, no felony).
Section 2(b): annual 12 hours of executive-level continuing education for the sheriff, approved by ASA or NSA; certification filed with the judge of probate by December 31.
Section 3: exemption for supernumerary sheriffs.
Section 4: immediate effective date after governor's approval.

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