SB287 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack W. WilliamsSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to Mobile County; to provide for the qualifications of the sheriff; and to require completion of continuing education.

Summary

SB287 sets new minimum qualifications for the Mobile County sheriff and requires annual executive-level continuing education for the office.

What This Bill Does

It adds specific eligibility requirements for anyone running for Mobile County sheriff, including citizenship, county residency, voter registration history, education, age, prior sworn law enforcement experience, and no felony convictions. It also requires the elected or appointed sheriff to complete at least 12 hours per year of executive-level continuing education approved by the Alabama Sheriff’s Association, the National Sheriff’s Association, or other recognized programs. The rules apply only to Mobile County and take effect immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• People who want to be elected or appointed as Mobile County sheriff must meet the specified qualifications.
• The sheriff, once elected or appointed, must complete 12 hours of annual executive-level continuing education each year.

Key Provisions

• Section 1: Applies only in Mobile County.
• Section 2: Establishes minimum qualifications: US citizenship; one-year county residency; voter eligibility and registration in the county for at least one year; high school diploma or GED; age 25 or older; at least three years of prior sworn law enforcement experience with arrest powers; and no felony conviction in this state or equivalent felony in another jurisdiction.
• Section 3: Requires the sheriff to complete a minimum of 12 hours per year of executive-level continuing education approved by the Alabama Sheriff’s Association, the National Sheriff’s Association, or other recognized programs for law enforcement.
• Section 4: 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

Mobile County, sheriff, qualifications.