HB454 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rolanda HollisRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Jefferson Co., sheriff, confidential secretary, add for Bessemer Division, Sec.45-37-232.40 am'd.

Summary

HB454 would let the Jefferson County Sheriff hire confidential secretaries for the Sheriff’s Office as well as for the Birmingham and Bessemer Divisions, with specific pay, benefit, and eligibility changes.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the Sheriff to employ confidential secretaries for the Birmingham and Bessemer Divisions in place of an executive secretary and sets their pay to match the Jefferson County Commission’s confidential secretary. The positions would not be subject to the county merit system, and current county employees who take these roles could return to a merit-system job of equal or higher rank. The bill also provides for time served as a confidential secretary to count toward merit-system service if the person returns, extends similar benefits (including longevity pay), allows joining the county pension plan within 30 days of employment, and prohibits running for elected county office while employed. The measure would take effect on the first day of the third month after it is enacted.

Who It Affects

• Jefferson County Sheriff and the Birmingham and Bessemer Divisions, who would be able to hire confidential secretaries and assign them to these units with specified pay and status.
• Jefferson County merit-system employees who become confidential secretaries, who could return to merit-system jobs later, have their service time counted toward merit benefits, and gain access to county benefits and pension options within a set timeframe.

Key Provisions

• Allows the Sheriff to employ a confidential secretary for the Birmingham Division and a confidential secretary for the Bessemer Division (in lieu of an executive secretary for Birmingham).
• Confidential secretaries shall be paid the same as the Jefferson County Commission’s confidential secretary and shall not be subject to the county merit system.
• If a current county employee becomes a confidential secretary, they may return to a merit-system position equal to or higher than their prior role upon termination, and their service as secretary counts toward merit-system service if they return.
• Confidential secretaries receive the same benefits as merit-system employees, including longevity pay, and may join the county pension plan within 30 days of employment.
• No person may run for elected county office while employed as a confidential secretary.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

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

Subjects

Jefferson County