SB421 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tom Whatley
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Russell Co., sheriffs, additional qualifications, continuing education
Summary: SB421 would set new eligibility rules and require ongoing training for Russell County sheriffs.
What This Bill Does
The bill applies only to Russell County. It requires anyone running for sheriff or appointed as sheriff to meet several minimum qualifications (citizenship, one-year county residency, legal voting status in the county for at least one year, a high school diploma or GED, age 25 or older, at least three years of full-time law enforcement with arrest powers, and no felony conviction). If elected, the sheriff must 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.

Who It Affects
People who qualify or are elected/appointed as Russell County sheriff must meet the new minimum qualifications and complete 12 hours of annual continuing education.
Supernumerary sheriffs are exempt from these requirements.

Key Provisions
Adds minimum qualifications for Russell County sheriff candidates/appointtees: U.S. citizen, county residence for at least 1 year before qualifying, eligible elector/voter registration in the county for at least 1 year, high school diploma or GED, at least 25 years old, at least 3 years of full-time law enforcement with arrest power, and no felony conviction.
Requires the sheriff to complete at least 12 hours of executive-level continuing education each year after election, with approval from the Alabama Sheriff's Association or the National Sheriff's Association.
Excludes supernumerary sheriffs from the act.
Effective date: becomes law immediately after governor signs/approves or otherwise becomes 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: Sheriffs