HB359 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Jefferson County, sheriff, qualifications, continuing education

Summary

HB359 would set new eligibility rules for Jefferson County sheriff candidates and require ongoing education for the sheriff.

What This Bill Does

It adds specific minimum qualifications for anyone qualifying to be or appointed as Jefferson County sheriff, including citizenship, 1-year county residency, being an elector and registered voter in the county for at least 1 year, a four-year college degree, age 25 or older, and 3+ years of active law enforcement service with arrest power and current certification, plus no felony convictions; if the person has been out of active duty for more than 2 years, they must recertify before qualifying. It also requires the sheriff to complete at least 20 hours of continuing education each year, approved by recognized law enforcement groups. The act does not apply to a supernumerary sheriff and becomes effective immediately after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Individuals seeking election to or appointed to the office of Jefferson County sheriff, who must meet the new qualifications.
• Current or prospective Jefferson County sheriffs who must satisfy the education and certification requirements and, if previously inactive for more than two years, obtain recertification before qualifying.
• Jefferson County residents who are eligible voters and have lived in the county for at least one year, as these residency and voter-eligibility requirements apply to potential sheriff candidates.
• Active law enforcement officers in Jefferson County who have arrest authority and may be affected by the certification and ongoing education requirements.

Key Provisions

• Minimum qualifications for sheriff candidates or appointees in Jefferson County include US citizenship, 1-year county residency, county elector status and 1-year voter registration, a four-year college degree, age 25+, 3+ years of active law enforcement service with arrest power and current certification, and no felony convictions (with recertification required if inactive more than two consecutive years).
• Annual continuing education requirement for the sheriff: at least 20 hours per year, approved by the Alabama Sheriffs Association, National Sheriffs' Association, or other recognized executive-level program for law enforcement.
• Exemption: the act does not apply to or affect a supernumerary sheriff.
• Effective date: the act becomes law immediately following passage and governor 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