HB483 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

The bill would let Briarwood Presbyterian Church hire peace officers with state police powers to protect the church, limited to church property.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, Briarwood’s Board of Trustees could appoint and employ one or more peace officers to protect the church and its ministries. These officers would have the duties and powers of Alabama law enforcement, but their authority would be limited to the church’s campuses and properties. They would need certification from the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and must meet continuing education requirements.

Who It Affects

• Briarwood Presbyterian Church and its members, staff, and visitors on church property, who gain on-site security and law-enforcement presence.
• Individuals employed by Briarwood as peace officers who would receive state police powers, must be POST-certified, and would work only on church campuses.

Key Provisions

• The Board of Trustees may appoint and employ one or more peace officers to protect the church and its ministries; officers have all duties and powers of state law enforcement.
• Officers must be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and meet continuing education requirements.
• Officer authority is limited to Briarwood’s campuses and properties.
• The act takes effect immediately after legislative passage and governor’s signature (or upon becoming 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