House Bill 439 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Alan BakerRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Escambia County; qualifications of the sheriff further provided for

Summary

HB439 would set detailed new qualifications for Escambia County's sheriff and require annual executive-level training after election, with changes effective June 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

It adds a list of minimum qualifications for someone qualifying for election or appointment as Escambia County sheriff, including citizenship, county residency for at least one year, voter registration in the county for at least one year, a high school diploma or GED, age 25 or older, and specific law enforcement experience with POST certification and post-retirement rules. It also requires the sheriff to complete at least 12 hours per year of executive-level continuing education after election. The act amends existing law to impose these standards and conditions for eligibility. The changes take effect on June 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Individuals seeking election to the office of Sheriff in Escambia County (candidates and any appointee) who must meet the new qualifications to qualify for election or service.
• The elected or appointed sheriff of Escambia County, who must complete 12 hours of executive-level continuing education annually after taking office.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 45-27-234 to add minimum qualifications for Escambia County sheriff, including US citizenship; one-year county residency before qualifying; registered voter status in the county for at least one year before qualifying; high school diploma or GED; age 25 or older before qualifying; three+ years of full-time law enforcement service with arrest power, POST-certified, with specific retire/recertification conditions; and no felony convictions in Alabama or in other jurisdictions where the offense would be a felony here.
• Requires the sheriff to attend at least 12 hours annually of executive-level continuing education after election, approved by the Alabama Sheriff’s Association, National Sheriff’s Association, or other recognized programs.
• Effective date: June 1, 2026.

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

Subjects

Escambia County