SB184 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Paul Bussman
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, education requirement to become a law enforcement officer amended to include nonpublic education, Sec. 36-21-46 am'd.
Summary: SB184 would allow graduates of nonpublic education programs to qualify for becoming a law enforcement officer in Alabama.
What This Bill Does
The bill expands the education requirement for applicants to include graduation from nonpublic education programs. This means private, church/parochial, or home-school graduates can qualify to apply as law enforcement officers. Other requirements remain: applicants must be at least 19, complete required training, be physically fit, and have good character (felonies disqualify). Current officers applying for a different capacity or employer are exempt from these education requirements, and the law becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects
Prospective law enforcement officer applicants who graduated from nonpublic education programs (private, church/parochial schools or home-school) will be eligible to apply.
Current law enforcement officers who apply for a different capacity or for a different employer are exempt from these education requirements.
Law enforcement agencies in Alabama that hire officers will recognize nonpublic education as a valid path for qualification.

Key Provisions
Education requirement is expanded to include graduation from nonpublic education programs as acceptable for becoming a law enforcement officer.
Nonpublic education includes private, church/parochial, religious schools, and home-school programs.
Applicants must be at least 19 years old, meet training requirements, pass physical qualifications, and have good character (felony convictions disqualify).
Provision for provisional appointment up to six months during training; certification required before longer employment.
Current officers applying for a different capacity or employer are exempt from the new education requirements.
Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission