SB64 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Sheriff, office vacant or other circumstances, highest ranking deputy to serve, provisions re coroner repealed, Sec. 11-5-5 repealed.

Summary

SB 64 would designate the highest ranking deputy sheriff as acting sheriff in vacancies or other specified situations, and repeal the rule that allowed a county coroner to serve as sheriff.

What This Bill Does

If the office of sheriff is vacant or under certain conditions, the highest ranking deputy sheriff would discharge the duties of the sheriff. The bill lists conditions including vacancy, incompetence, imprisonment, or the sheriff being a party to a case, and adds that a probate judge can direct the acting sheriff. It also repeals the existing law that allowed the county coroner to serve as sheriff in these circumstances, and it becomes law immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• County sheriff's offices and deputy sheriffs in Alabama, who would have the acting sheriff determined as the highest ranking deputy under specified conditions.
• County coroners, whose role as sheriff would be repealed and no longer used to fill the sheriff's duties under vacancy or other circumstances.

Key Provisions

• Section 1: The highest ranking deputy sheriff shall discharge the duties of the sheriff when the office is vacant, the sheriff is incompetent to act, the sheriff is imprisoned, the sheriff is a party to a case, or the acting sheriff is directed by the judge of probate.
• Section 2: Repeals Section 11-5-5 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which related to the county coroner serving as sheriff under certain conditions.
• Section 3: The act becomes effective immediately following its passage and approval by the Governor, or otherwise becoming law.

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

Subjects

Coroners