SB199 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

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

Summary

This bill would let Briarwood Presbyterian Church hire peace officers who would have police powers only on the church’s campuses.

What This Bill Does

The church’s Board of Trustees could appoint and employ one or more peace officers to protect the safety and integrity of the church and its ministries. These officers would have the duties and powers of state law enforcement officers when working for the church, but only on church property. They would need certification from the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and must meet continuing education requirements. The officers’ authority would be limited to Briarwood’s campuses and properties. The bill would take effect immediately after passage and governor approval (or otherwise become law).

Who It Affects

• Briarwood Presbyterian Church and its campuses/properties — could hire and use peace officers to protect safety on church property.
• Individuals employed as Briarwood peace officers — would carry state police powers while on church property and must be certified and maintain ongoing training.
• Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission — would certify Briarwood’s peace officers and require continuing education.

Key Provisions

• The Board of Trustees may appoint and employ one or more persons to act as peace officers to protect the safety and integrity of the church and its ministries.
• Peace officers so employed shall have all duties and powers of law enforcement officers in this state while performing their duties for the church.
• Officers must be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and meet its requirements, including continuing education.
• The authority of these officers is restricted to Briarwood Presbyterian Church’s campuses and properties.
• The act becomes effective immediately following its passage and approval by the Governor, or otherwise 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