HB261 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Allen TreadawayRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Education, colleges and universities, appointment and qualifications of reserve police officers, provided for, Sec. 16-22-1 am'd.

Summary

HB261 would let state colleges and universities appoint reserve police officers who must be certified before they can exercise police powers.

What This Bill Does

The bill allows college presidents to appoint reserve police officers to help protect campus property and people. Reserve officers may not have law enforcement powers or arrest authority until they are certified by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, which must happen within one year. It also sets qualifications for applicants, requires background checks and fingerprinting, and restricts firearm use to those with proper permits and training; officers must be trained in nonlethal weapons and follow campus policies.

Who It Affects

• State colleges and universities (and related institutions) that appoint reserve officers and set their duties and oversight.
• Prospective reserve police officers (applicants) who must meet age, character, background check, and certification requirements and may face firearm restrictions and training requirements.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the president/CEO of state colleges, universities, and certain named institutions to appoint and employ reserve police officers.
• Reserve officers cannot exercise police powers or arrest unless certified by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission; certification must be obtained within one year of appointment and failure results in removal.
• Applicants must be at least 19 years old, of good moral character, not convicted of a disqualifying felony or misdemeanor, and consent to fingerprinting and background checks.
• On duty, officers must be trained in the proper use of a nonlethal weapon; firearms may be carried only with a permit, training, and approval, and only to the extent allowed by appointing authority rules.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education