House Bill 373 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ontario J. TillmanRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Jefferson County; sheriff compensation revised

Summary

HB373 would change Jefferson County sheriff pay by adding an initial salary and an annual expense allowance, then later raise the salary higher and void the earlier provisions.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends the sheriff's compensation to set an initial annual salary of $160,000 beginning with the next term of office and requires the sheriff to receive the same cost-of-living increases as deputy sheriffs after that date. It also creates an annual $40,000 expense allowance for the sheriff, starting from the act's effective date, paid monthly from the county's general fund and eligible for retirement contributions. Beginning with the next term of office, the bill would raise the sheriff's annual salary to $225,000 and void the previous $160,000 salary and the $40,000 expense allowance. The act becomes effective on the first day of the first month after passage and governor approval (or as otherwise provided by law).

Who It Affects

• Jefferson County Sheriff — would see an initial $160,000 salary with COLA for deputies, an additional $40,000 annual expense allowance (potentially countable for retirement), and later a higher $225,000 salary that replaces the earlier pay and allowance.
• Jefferson County general fund/taxpayers — would be responsible for funding the higher salary and the $40,000 expense allowance from the county's general fund once the act takes effect and when the higher salary is implemented.

Key Provisions

• Section 45-37-230(a): sets the sheriff's annual salary at $160,000 beginning with the next term of office.
• Section 45-37-230(b): provides that the sheriff receives the same cost-of-living increases as deputy sheriffs after the date of this act.
• Section 45-37-230(c)(1): creates an additional $40,000 annual expense allowance for the sheriff, starting on the act's effective date and paid from the county general fund.
• Section 45-37-230(c)(2): the $40,000 expense allowance may be treated as retirement contribution for purposes of retirement benefits.
• Section 45-37-230(d): beginning with the next term of office, the sheriff's salary becomes $225,000 and the provisions in (a) and (c) are voided.
• Section 2: the act becomes effective on the first day of the first month after passage and governor approval (or as otherwise provided by law).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Jefferson County