HB156 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

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

Summary

HB156 would let Briarwood Presbyterian Church hire sworn peace officers with state police powers to patrol its campuses, subject to certification and campus limits.

What This Bill Does

It would authorize the church's Board of Trustees to appoint and employ peace officers to protect the safety and integrity of the church and its ministries. These officers would have all the duties and powers of law enforcement officers in Alabama and would be limited to Briarwood's campuses and properties. They must be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and meet continuing education requirements. If enacted, the changes would take effect immediately after the governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects

• Briarwood Presbyterian Church (Board of Trustees and church staff) — gains authority to hire and oversee certified peace officers on church property.
• People on Briarwood campuses (members, employees, attendees, and visitors) — could be protected by on-site peace officers and may be subject to enforcement on church property.

Key Provisions

• The Board of Trustees may appoint and employ one or more peace officers to protect safety and integrity of the church and its ministries; officers have the duties and powers of law enforcement officers in Alabama.
• Officers must be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and must meet continuing education requirements.
• The authority of these officers is limited to Briarwood's campuses and properties.
• The act becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it into law.

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