SB225 Alabama 2023 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: April WeaverSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2023
Title: Relating to the Department of Corrections; to allow a Department of Corrections law enforcement officer to assist any law enforcement agency with public safety.
Summary: The bill allows certified Department of Corrections law enforcement officers, including K-9 handlers, to assist any law enforcement agency with public safety using police or search-and-rescue animals.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes DOC law enforcement officers who are certified by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission to aid other law enforcement agencies in public safety. It allows these officers to use police animals or search-and-rescue animals in their duties, as defined by state law. The act becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it or it otherwise becomes law.

Who It Affects
Department of Corrections law enforcement officers certified by POST (including K-9 handlers) who may now assist other agencies with public safety using trained animals.
Other law enforcement agencies (state and local) that may request and receive assistance from DOC officers and their police/SAR animals.

Key Provisions
Allows DOC law enforcement officers certified by the Alabama POST Commission, including K-9 handlers, to use a police animal or search and rescue animal to assist any law enforcement agency with public safety (animals defined in Section 13A-11-260).
The act becomes effective immediately following passage and approval by the Governor, or otherwise becoming law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Department of Corrections, allow officers to assist local law enforcement in public safety matters