HB605 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jimmy Martin

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Chilton Co., sheriff, compensation further provided, qualifications, Sec. 45-11-230 am'd.

Summary

HB605 would raise and restructure Chilton County sheriff compensation, set new qualifications for the office, and require annual executive-level training.

What This Bill Does

The bill changes how the Chilton County Sheriff is paid by adding several allowances and adjusting salary, with different amounts taking effect at different times. It also tightens who can become sheriff by adding specific citizenship, residency, education, experience, and certification requirements. Additionally, it requires the sheriff to complete at least 12 hours of executive-level continuing education each year and to file certification of completion by December 1. The changes become effective immediately upon the governor's approval.

Who It Affects

• Chilton County Sheriff (current and future) – would receive new and altered compensation through multiple allowances and a potential salary change, and would have to meet new qualification and education requirements.
• Chilton County residents and taxpayers (via the county general fund) and voters who elect the sheriff – face higher or restructured sheriff-related costs and new eligibility rules for the office.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 45-11-230 to add an annual expense allowance of $2,400 plus mileage reimbursement of at least $0.20 per mile for using a personal vehicle in sheriff duties.
• Commencing August 1, 1995, provides for an additional annual expense allowance of $15,000 for the Sheriff, payable monthly; and an increase of $15,000 per year in the sheriff's salary after the incumbent's term, with the earlier allowance/salary increase potentially becoming void when the new term-based increase begins.
• The 1995 expense allowance and salary increase are inoperative if a higher amount is provided by general law during the current term or the next term.
• Commencing November 1, 2017, adds a separate annual expense allowance of $15,900, payable biweekly, which may be treated as retirement-eligible compensation, in addition to other pay.
• Beginning with the expiration of the incumbent sheriff's term, the sheriff's annual salary is set at $70,000, payable monthly, and the $15,900 expense allowance for 2017 becomes void at that time.
• The sheriff continues to receive any uniform cost-of-living or other salary increases granted by the county to other elected officials.
• Adds new qualifications for election to the office: US citizenship; at least 1 year residency in Chilton County; at least 1 year as a qualified elector and registered to vote in Chilton County; high school diploma or GED; at least 25 years old; at least 5 years of prior law enforcement experience with arrest power; no felony conviction; and certification by the Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission.
• Requires the sheriff to attend a minimum of 12 hours of annual executive-level continuing education approved by the Alabama Sheriff's Association or National Sheriff's Association, with certification filed with the Chilton County Judge of Probate by December 1 each year.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Chilton County