HB552 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris BlackshearRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Russell Co., sheriffs, additional qualifications, continuing education

Summary

HB552 adds new eligibility rules for Russell County sheriffs and requires annual continuing education for the office.

What This Bill Does

It applies only to Russell County and sets minimum qualifications for anyone qualifying to be sheriff or appointed to serve (citizenship, county residency for at least one year, county voter registration for at least one year, a high school diploma or GED, age 25 or older, at least three years of full-time law enforcement experience with arrest power, and no felony conviction). It also requires the sheriff to complete at least 12 hours per year of executive-level continuing education approved by the Alabama Sheriff's Association or the National Sheriff's Association. The act does not apply to supernumerary sheriffs and becomes effective immediately after passage and approval by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• People seeking election to the office of sheriff in Russell County or appointed sheriffs, who must meet the listed qualifications.
• The current and future Russell County sheriff, who must complete 12 hours of executive-level continuing education each year.

Key Provisions

• Minimum qualifications for sheriff candidates or appointees: US citizenship, county residency of at least one year, county voter registration for at least one year, high school diploma or GED, age 25+, at least three years of full-time law enforcement service with arrest power, and no felony conviction.
• Annual continuing education: sheriff must complete at least 12 hours per year of executive-level training approved by the Alabama Sheriff's Association or the National Sheriff's Association.
• Exemption: does not apply to supernumerary sheriffs.
• Effective date: becomes law immediately after 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

Sheriffs