SB303 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

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, Sec. 14-1-20 am'd.

Summary

SB 303 would give a two-step, one-time pay increase to certain Department of Corrections officers, expand eligibility for unused-leave payouts, and broaden a bonuses program for training and milestones with caps and sunset rules.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes a one-time two-step salary increase for Department of Corrections correctional officer classifications effective October 1, 2019, as long as increases stay within approved pay ranges. It allows payment for accrued unused annual leave beyond specified thresholds: for DOC employees who require POST certification, up to 80 hours per year beyond 480 hours, and for Department of Public Safety law enforcement officers, up to 10 days per year beyond 60 days. It expands the department's bonus pilot to include bonuses for additional training achievements and milestones, with specific amounts for certain career steps and a cap per employee, and sets deadlines that no bonuses may be paid after December 31, 2025 (the program is also described as expiring by December 31, 2020). It also requires certification that increases stay within pay ranges and mandates annual reporting on bonuses.

Who It Affects

• Department of Corrections personnel in correctional officer classifications (including those needing POST certification) who would receive a one-time two-step salary increase and may be eligible for expanded bonuses and leave payouts.
• Department of Public Safety law enforcement officers (and DOC staff requiring POST certification as applicable) who would be eligible for enhanced annual leave payouts and participate in the expanded bonuses program.

Key Provisions

• Section 1: Effective October 1, 2019, a one-time two-step salary increase is authorized for DOC correctional officer classifications, within existing pay ranges, without affecting other merit raises.
• Section 2: Amendments to 36-26-35: (a–c) modify annual leave accrual and carryover; (d) DPS law enforcement officers may be paid for accrued leave beyond 60 days up to 10 days per year; (e) DOC employees requiring POST certification may receive payment for unused leave beyond 480 hours up to 80 hours per year.
• Section 2: Amendments to 14-1-20: expands the pilot bonus program to include bonuses for training and milestones; specifies bonus amounts (e.g., $1,500 for academy completion or refresher, $1,500 for becoming a Correctional Officer, $1,875 for attaining Officer Senior status, $2,625 after one year as Officer Senior) and allows annual bonuses for certain early-career employees.
• Section 2: Caps and sunset: total bonuses per employee have a stated cap (text shows conflicting figures ($3,500 and $7,500)); no bonuses may be paid after December 31, 2025; the program is described as expiring December 31, 2020, with potential discontinuation if staffing targets are met earlier.
• Section 2: Other rules: no bonus payments to employees who separate from the department after April 1, 2019; the department must report annually on bonuses to specified legislative committees.
• Section 3: Effective date: provisions become law immediately after passage and governor approval where stated; otherwise effective October 1, 2019.

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