SB325 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Josh CarnleySenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to Coffee County; to amend Section 45-16-62, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for the appointment of a chief deputy coroner and a deputy coroner, to provide for compensation for the chief deputy coroner and deputy coroner, and to repeal Section 45-16-61, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the appointment of a deputy coroner.

Summary

SB325 amends Coffee County's coroner laws to create a chief deputy coroner and a deputy coroner with set pay, repeals the old deputy coroner appointment rule, and makes the changes effective immediately.

What This Bill Does

The coroner will elect four-year terms and appoint a chief deputy coroner (from the county’s non-resident judicial circuit division) and may appoint one deputy coroner, with specified monthly pay. The coroner also has a base salary of $25,000 per year if first elected or appointed on/after September 22, 2015, with future adjustments; the county may adjust compensation and expenses. Expenses and benefits, including retirement and insurance, are paid like other county employees, and the county commission pays travel, equipment, dues, and continuing education costs. The act repeals the previous provision related to deputy coroner appointments and takes effect immediately.

Who It Affects

• Coffee County coroner (elected or appointed) and the new chief deputy coroner and deputy coroner — their appointment, roles, and monthly compensation are established or updated, along with potential benefits and expenses.
• Coffee County Commission and county funds — responsible for paying the new compensation, expenses, and any approved adjustments from the county general fund.

Key Provisions

• The coroner shall appoint a chief deputy coroner and may appoint one deputy coroner; chief deputy is paid $400 per month and the deputy is paid $300 per month; the county commission may adjust these amounts and related expenses.
• A base salary of $25,000 per year applies to coroners first elected or appointed on/after September 22, 2015, with future adjustments as authorized for county employees; reappointment after a break in service resets eligibility for this base salary.
• Coroners may participate in the same retirement system and insurance plan as other county employees; expenses for duties (travel, equipment, dues, continuing education) are paid by the county general fund.
• Section 45-16-61, which related to deputy coroner appointments, is repealed; the act becomes effective immediately upon passage and 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

Coffee County, coroner, chief deputy coroner and deputy coroner, appointment and compensation.