HB381 Alabama 2022 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: David StandridgeRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2022
Title: Blount Co., sheriff, compensation, further provided, qualification established, Sec. 45-5-230 am'd.
Summary: HB381 changes Blount County sheriff pay and sets new qualifications for the office, with some changes taking effect for the 2026 election cycle.
What This Bill Does
It adds a $12,000 annual expense allowance for the Blount County Sheriff, paid from the county's general fund. It sets the sheriff's annual salary at $50,000 (equal to 90% of the county probate judge's base pay) beginning when the term of the current sheriff ends, and the previous expense allowance would then be void. It allows the salary and allowance to be inoperative if a higher pay is provided by general law during the current or next term. It introduces new minimum qualifications for anyone appointed or elected as sheriff, to take effect for the 2026 election cycle, and states that these qualifications do not apply to supernumerary sheriffs. The act becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects
The Blount County Sheriff (current and future) would receive the new $12,000 expense allowance and the $50,000 salary after the incumbent's term ends, with potential removal of the allowance if a higher amount is authorized elsewhere.
Individuals seeking or holding the office of sheriff (starting with the 2026 election qualifying period) would need to meet stricter minimum qualifications (citizenship, county residency, election/registration status, education, age, law enforcement experience, and no felony conviction).
Supernumerary sheriffs are not affected by the new qualification requirements.

Key Provisions
Section 45-5-230(a): An additional $12,000 per year expense allowance for the Blount County Sheriff, payable from the county general fund.
Section 45-5-230(b): Beginning with the expiration of the incumbent sheriff's term, the sheriff's annual salary shall be $50,000 (90% of the probate judge's base pay), payable from the county general fund, and the $12,000 expense allowance would become void.
Section 45-5-230(c): The salary and expense allowance are inoperative if a general-law increase for the sheriff is equal to or greater than the provided amount during the current term or the next term.
Section 2(a): Beginning with the 2026 election qualifying period, anyone qualifying for the office must meet specified minimum qualifications (US citizen, county residency for at least 1 year, registered voter in the county for at least 1 year, high school diploma or GED, age 25+, 3+ years of full-time law enforcement experience with arrest powers, and no felony conviction).
Section 2(b): The new qualifications do not apply to supernumerary sheriffs.
Section 3: The act becomes effective immediately after 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: Blount County