HB420 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kerry UnderwoodRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to Colbert County; to amend Section 45-17-60, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for the expense allowance, annual salary, and other benefits for the coroner of Colbert County; and to authorize the Colbert County Commission to appropriate and expend funds for the operation of the Office of Coroner of Colbert County.

Summary

HB420 changes how Colbert County pays and funds the coroner’s office, with a temporary expense allowance, a future salary, and authority for office operations and deputies.

What This Bill Does

It sets an annual expense allowance for the Colbert County coroner (before 2026) paid from the county general fund, then replaces that with a fixed $21,000 annual salary starting after the 2026 election. The salary may be increased with uniform county-wide pay raises, and the coroner can participate in health insurance and retirement plans on the same terms as other county employees. The Colbert County Commission can appropriate funds for the coroner’s salary, benefits, and office expenses, may provide or authorize a county vehicle, and may appoint deputy coroners with compensation.

Who It Affects

• The Coroner of Colbert County will receive the new expense allowance (pre-2026) and then the fixed salary (post-2026), plus eligibility for county benefits and deputy coroners.
• The Colbert County Commission may appropriate funds for the coroner’s salary, benefits, office expenses, and deputy coroners, and may provide a vehicle for office use.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 45-17-60 to establish an annual expense allowance of $10,000 ($15,000) per year for the Colbert County coroner, paid monthly from the county general fund, in addition to other compensation.
• After the 2026 General Election, the expense allowance is void and the coroner shall receive an annual salary of $21,000, paid monthly, as total compensation (subject to future uniform increases).
• The coroner’s salary shall be increased by any uniform increases granted to all county employees and the coroner may participate in the county health insurance and retirement plans on the same terms as other county employees.
• The Colbert County Commission may appropriate and expend funds for the coroner’s salary, benefits, and office expenses, and may provide or allow a county vehicle.
• The Colbert County Commission may authorize the coroner to appoint deputy coroners and provide compensation for any deputies.
• The act becomes effective immediately after passage and approval (or when it becomes law).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.