SB6 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shay ShelnuttSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

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

The bill expands who can qualify to become a Alabama law enforcement officer by allowing graduates of nonpublic education (private/parochial/religious schools and home-school) to meet the education requirement.

What This Bill Does

Adds nonpublic education graduation as an eligible education option for applicants to become law enforcement officers, alongside high school graduation or a GED. Maintains other eligibility requirements such as being at least 19 years old, completing the required training, being physically fit, and having good character with no felony convictions. Allows a provisional appointment for up to six months while the applicant becomes certified, after which continued employment depends on certification by the commission. Current officers applying for a different capacity or to work for a different employer are not required to meet the new education requirement.

Who It Affects

• Prospective applicants who were educated in nonpublic programs (private, church/parochial, religious schools, or home-school) who want to become law enforcement officers.
• Law enforcement employers and appointing authorities who must accept nonpublic education as valid for eligibility and still enforce other qualifications.
• Current law enforcement officers seeking a different position or employer, who are exempt from the new education requirement.

Key Provisions

• Education requirement updated to include graduation from nonpublic education programs as qualifying education for applicants.
• Nonpublic education is defined to include private, church, parochial, or religious schools and home-school programs.
• Applicants must still meet other qualifications: age 19 or older, completion of required training, demonstrated good health and physical fitness, and good character (no felony convictions).
• Provision for provisional appointment up to six months; further employment depends on certification by the Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission.
• Exemption for currently employed officers who apply for or accept a different capacity or employer.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after the Governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission