House Bill 441 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Alan BakerRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Escambia County; sheriff authorized to contract with municipalities to provide police services

Summary

HB441 would let Escambia County's sheriff contract with municipalities in the county to provide police services, with funding and a possible supplemental sheriff salary for these duties.

What This Bill Does

It would allow municipalities within Escambia County to contract with the sheriff to provide police services, including enforcement of local laws and ordinances. The contract would define funding and equipment arrangements, with the municipality paying the county treasury to support police services in the municipality. Contracts require consent and approval from both the sheriff and the county commission, and deputies would retain their immunity while performing contracted duties. The act also enables a supplemental salary for the sheriff for the extra duties related to contracting police services, paid by the county and not part of the regular salary, and the act would take effect on June 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Municipalities within Escambia County: may enter into contracts with the sheriff to receive police services, including enforcement of municipal laws and ordinances.
• Escambia County government (the sheriff, county commission, and county treasury): would manage contracts, receive and allocate funds, and oversee any supplemental sheriff pay tied to these duties.

Key Provisions

• Municipalities may contract with the Escambia County Sheriff to provide police services, including enforcement of laws within the municipality and its ordinances.
• Municipalities must pay funds to the county treasury to cover manpower and equipment for the contracted services, with terms agreed by the municipality, sheriff, and county commission.
• The Escambia County Commission may expend funds to provide police services in the municipality, including policing within the municipality's jurisdiction.
• Each contract requires the consent and approval of both the sheriff and the county commission.
• The sheriff and deputies retain their legal and constitutional immunity while performing contracted duties.
• The county may provide a supplemental salary to the sheriff for additional duties related to contracting police services, paid by the county and not part of the sheriff's regular salary; the supplement would end if the agreement ends and does not affect other sheriff compensation.
• The act becomes effective on 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