SB87 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

District attorneys, assistant district attorneys, not subject to co. personnel systems, Sec. 12-17-220.1 am'd.

Summary

The bill lets district attorneys hire investigators who are not bound by county civil service rules, giving the DA control over hiring and dismissal of those investigators.

What This Bill Does

It amends the law to allow a district attorney to appoint a chief investigator and other investigators who are peace officers with authority similar to deputy sheriffs. These investigators would serve at the pleasure of the district attorney and would not be subject to county civil service systems. The bill preserves existing local laws unless they conflict, and clarifies that local acts can continue until repealed, after which this act would apply. The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• District attorneys and their offices, who gain authority to hire and manage investigators without county civil service constraints.
• County governments and county civil service systems, which would not govern the appointment of district attorney investigators.
• Investigators and chief investigators appointed by the district attorney, who must be peace officers, meet minimum standards, be certified, and serve at the district attorney's pleasure.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 12-17-220.1 to authorize the district attorney to appoint a chief investigator and additional investigators who are peace officers with authority equivalent to deputy sheriffs, serving at the district attorney's pleasure and meeting minimum standards with certification.
• The appointment of these investigators would not be subject to any county civil service system or local civil service rules, and this supersedes conflicting local laws.
• The Legislature may continue or repeal local laws; existing local acts may continue until repealed, after which appointments would follow this section.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month 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

District Attorneys