HB468 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Chris EnglandRepresentative
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Corrections Dept., two-step salary increase for certain employees, to receive payment for any accrued and unused annual leave, bonuses, Secs. 14-1-20, 36-26-35 am'd.
Summary: HB 468 gives a two-step pay raise to DOC correctional officers, expands certain leave payout rules for certified officers, and sets up a limited-time bonus program to recruit and retain corrections staff.
What This Bill Does
It provides a one-time two-step salary increase for Department of Corrections correctional officers (effective Oct 1, 2019) within established pay ranges. It expands leave payout rules so that certified correctional or law enforcement officers can be paid for accrued unused leave beyond existing caps (up to 80 hours per year for corrections officers; up to 10 days per year for DPS officers). It creates a pilot bonus program under the department offering bonuses for training achievements and career milestones, with specified amounts, a per-person cap, and time limits on when bonuses may be paid; the program has expiration and reporting requirements and is subject to annual budget appropriations.

Who It Affects
Department of Corrections correctional officers in the correctional officer classification series (and those in related certified roles) who would receive the two-step pay raise, may receive enhanced leave payout, and are eligible for training/milestone bonuses.
Department of Public Safety law enforcement officers who would be eligible to receive payment for accrued and unused annual leave beyond 60 days (up to 10 days per year).

Key Provisions
Section 1: Effective October 1, 2019, all DOC correctional officer classification staff receive a one-time two-step salary increase, within established pay ranges, contingent on certification by the Director of the State Personnel Department to the State Comptroller for payment.
Section 2: Amends §36-26-35 and §14-1-20 to (a) allow certain DOC correctional or certified officers to be paid for accrued and unused annual leave hours in excess of 480 hours, up to 80 hours per year; (b) allow DPS law enforcement officers to be paid for unused annual leave in excess of 60 days, up to 10 days per year; and (c) expand and revise leave policies for affected categories.
Section 14-1-20: Establishes a pilot bonus program to improve hiring/retention by offering bonuses or training incentives to correctional staff, with specific bonus amounts for academy completion, officer status attainment, senior status, and annual retention bonuses; caps on total bonuses per employee; eligibility restrictions (no bonuses for employees who separate after April 1, 2019); and a schedule for when bonuses can be paid (through defined end dates).
Program duration and limits: bonuses are available beginning on the act’s effective date and subject to dates such as December 31, 2022 (for initial payments) and December 31, 2025 (overall program limit), with potential discontinuation if staffing targets are met earlier; the total bonuses per employee are capped, and the program is subject to annual budget appropriations and required annual reporting.

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