HB624 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Allen Farley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Briarwood Presbyterian Church, authorized to hire certified law enforcement officers

Summary

The bill would let Briarwood Presbyterian Church hire certified police officers to protect its campus, with the officers' authority limited to church property.

What This Bill Does

The bill would authorize the church's Board of Trustees to appoint and employ one or more police officers to protect the church and its ministries. These officers would have all duties and powers of state law enforcement while on church property, but their authority would be restricted to Briarwood's campuses and properties. Officers must be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and meet continuing education requirements. The act would take effect immediately after the governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects

• Briarwood Presbyterian Church and its Board of Trustees would be allowed to appoint and employ police officers to protect the church and its ministries, with authority limited to church property.
• The police officers hired under the act and the church community on Briarwood campus (members, staff, and visitors) would experience security presence and activities on church property, with officers required to be POST-certified and keep up with training.

Key Provisions

• The Board of Trustees may appoint and employ one or more police officers to protect the safety and integrity of the church and its ministries.
• Officers hired under this act have all duties and powers of state law enforcement authorities while performing their duties.
• Officers must be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and meet its requirements, including continuing education.
• The authority of these officers is restricted to Briarwood's campuses and properties.
• The act becomes effective immediately following its 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

Law Enforcement Officers