SB338 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tom Whatley
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2020
Title: Lee Co., sheriff, qualifications, continuing education required
Summary: SB338 sets specific qualifications for Lee County’s sheriff candidates and requires ongoing executive-level education for the elected sheriff.
What This Bill Does
The bill applies only to Lee County. It adds a list of minimum qualifications for someone running to be sheriff, including US citizenship, at least one year of county residency, voter registration in the county for at least one year, a high school diploma or GED, age 25 or older, and a certain amount of prior full-time law enforcement experience with arrest power and current certification, plus a felony-conviction prohibition. After election, the sheriff must complete at least 20 hours per year of executive-level continuing education approved by recognized associations or programs. The act becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects
People qualifying to run for Lee County sheriff (they must meet the new criteria).
The elected sheriff of Lee County (must complete 20 hours of annual executive-level continuing education).

Key Provisions
Applies only in Lee County.
Sets detailed qualifications for sheriff candidates (citizenship, residency, elector status, education, age, law enforcement experience and certification, and no felony convictions).
Requires the elected sheriff to complete a minimum of 20 hours per year of executive-level continuing education approved by specified associations or programs.
Effective immediately after passage and governor 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: Lee County