HB452 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Dexter Grimsley

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Law enforcement officers, continuing education, chief of police and law enforcement officers required to complete continuing education courses that consist of a certain number of hours of instruction on dealing with mentally ill patients, Sec. 36-21-51 am'd

Summary

HB452 would require municipal police chiefs to complete 20 hours of executive-level continuing education annually (with 2 hours on dealing with mentally ill patients) and require most officers to complete 12 hours annually (with 1 hour on dealing with mentally ill patients), with sheriff's department officers only if the county approves.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill updates training rules to include mental health content. It requires municipal police chiefs to complete 20 hours of executive-level continuing education annually, with 2 hours focused on dealing with mentally ill patients. It requires other law enforcement officers to complete 12 hours annually, with 1 hour focused on dealing with mentally ill patients. It also allows sheriff's department officers to be required only if the county commission adopts a resolution, and it gives the commission power to revoke certification for noncompliance, while allowing extensions and appeals.

Who It Affects

• Municipal police chiefs in Alabama, who must complete 20 hours of executive-level continuing education annually (2 hours on dealing with mentally ill patients).
• Other law enforcement officers (non-chiefs) who must complete 12 hours annually (1 hour on dealing with mentally ill patients).
• County sheriff's department officers, who would be required only if the county commission passes a resolution requiring the training.
• The Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission, which enforces the requirements and can revoke certification for noncompliance, and can grant extensions and hear appeals.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 36-21-51 to set annual training hours: chiefs must complete 20 hours (2 hours on mentally ill patients) and other officers must complete 12 hours (1 hour on mentally ill patients), with training approved by the commission.
• County sheriff's department officers are required to complete the training only if the county commission adopts a resolution requiring it.
• Failure or refusal to comply can result in revocation of certification or authority as a law enforcement officer by the commission.
• The commission may grant extensions of time to complete the courses for sufficient cause.
• Aggrieved officers have the right to appeal under the commission's procedures.
• The act becomes effective 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 Officers