HB180 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Briarwood Presbyterian Church, authorized to hire certified law enforcement officers

Summary

HB180 would let Briarwood Presbyterian Church hire its own certified police officers to patrol its campus.

What This Bill Does

The bill allows Briarwood's Board of Trustees to appoint and employ police officers to protect the safety and integrity of the church and its ministries. The officers would have the full duties and powers of Alabama law enforcement on church property, but must be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and meet continuing education requirements. Their authority would be limited to Briarwood's campuses and properties. The law would take effect immediately after passage and the governor signs it or it becomes law otherwise.

Who It Affects

• Briarwood Presbyterian Church leadership (Board of Trustees) and church employees who would appoint and oversee paid police officers, with officers required to be POST-certified.
• People on Briarwood property (members, attendees, staff, and visitors) who would be protected by campus police and subject to enforcement on church property.

Key Provisions

• The Board of Trustees may appoint and employ one or more police officers to protect the safety and integrity of the church and its ministries; officers have the duties and powers of state law enforcement on church property.
• Officers must be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and meet continuing education requirements.
• Officer authority is limited to Briarwood Presbyterian Church campuses and properties.
• The act takes effect immediately after passage and governor approval, 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

Law Enforcement Officers