HB38 Alabama 2016 1st Special Session Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Connie C. Rowe

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2016

Title

Law enforcement, chief of police, to required add'l training for newly appointed chiefs, Sec. 36-21-51 am'd.

Summary

HB38 would add a new requirement that newly appointed police chiefs complete an extra training course within one year of appointment, on top of existing annual training.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 36-21-51 to require newly appointed chiefs of police (in municipalities or certain government-related agencies, including those in municipalities with populations under 100,000) to complete an approved law enforcement executive management course within one year of appointment. This is in addition to the existing 20 hours of annual executive-level training. The course must be adopted by the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police and approved by the commission. Noncompliance could lead to revocation of certification or authority, but extensions and appeals are allowed.

Who It Affects

• Newly appointed chiefs of police (in municipalities or governmental/quasi-governmental agencies, including municipalities with populations under 100,000) who must complete the additional course within one year.
• Other law enforcement officers, who still must complete 12 hours of continuing education annually; sheriff's departments are only required to train if the county commission passes a resolution.
• State and local law enforcement organizations (the commission and the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police) in administering and approving the courses and enforcing requirements.

Key Provisions

• Requires newly appointed chiefs of police to complete an approved law enforcement executive management course within one year of appointment, in addition to the existing 20 hours of annual training.
• The additional course must be adopted by the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police and approved by the commission.
• Keeps the existing rule that chiefs must complete 20 hours of annual executive-level training; other officers must complete 12 hours annually, with sheriff training dependent on county commission action.
• Noncompliance can lead to revocation of certification or authority; extensions may be granted for good cause; appeals rights are preserved.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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

Law Enforcement