SB265 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Jefferson Co., Tenth Judicial Circuit, Bessemer Division, add'l assistant district attorney provided for, approval by Jefferson County Commission, Sec. 45-37-82.01 am'd.

Summary

SB265 allows Jefferson County to appoint up to 15 deputy district attorneys in the Tenth Judicial Circuit (Bessemer Division) and creates a structured pay plan for them.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the elected assistant district attorney to create a deputy staff of 15 (including a chief deputy) organized into Level I (4), Level II (5), and Level III (5). The pay for the top four deputies (chief, Level I, II, and III) is partly funded by the State ($12,900 each) with the remainder paid by the county; the other deputies are paid entirely by the county from county funds. The salary schedule sets concrete amounts by level and allows annual increases based on performance, with the elected ADA deciding each deputy’s level at appointment. The bill also lets Jefferson County Commission approve adding an extra Level III deputy and appoint them under this system.

Who It Affects

• Jefferson County elected assistant district attorney (gains authority to appoint up to 15 deputies and designate their levels).
• Deputy district attorneys in the Tenth Judicial Circuit (Bessemer Division) who would be hired into Level I, II, or III with pay determined by the schedule.
• Jefferson County Commission (has to approve any extra Level III deputy).
• County taxpayers (funding responsibility for most deputy salaries).

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 45-37-82.01 to authorize appointment of up to 15 deputy district attorneys in the Tenth Judicial Circuit, Bessemer Division, including 1 chief deputy and four Level I, five Level II, and five Level III deputies.
• Defines designation and compensation structure: chief deputy plus one Level I, one Level II, and one Level III deputy receive salary set in the schedule with $12,900 paid by the State for each of those four positions; the remainder is paid by the county.
• Provides that the Level I/II/III deputies beyond the top four are paid by the county under the schedule, with potential annual increases based on performance and assignment by the appointed ADA.
• Includes a provision that, with approval of the Jefferson County Commission, an additional Level III deputy may be appointed and compensated under the same schedule.
• Salary schedule lists specific amounts by step for Chief, Level I, Level II, and Level III positions (Step 1 through Step 12).
• Effective date language related to implementation and potential future adjustments.

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