House Bill 536 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rick RehmRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Henry County; sheriff, compensation revised

Summary

HB536 changes how Henry County's sheriff is paid, setting a $94,000 annual compensation with future term-based increases and repealing the old sheriff-pay statute.

What This Bill Does

The bill sets June 1, 2026 as the start for an expense allowance that brings the sheriff's total compensation to $94,000 per year. Beginning January 18, 2027, the sheriff's base salary will be $94,000 per year, replacing all other expense allowances or forms of compensation. Starting with a second or later term, the sheriff would get an 8% increase for each such term of the then-existing salary, and if a sheriff returns for a non-consecutive term, they are treated as a first-time entrant for increases, eligible only for current successive-service increases. The sheriff would receive the same county employee benefits as other county workers but would not be eligible for certain increases under Chapter 2A of Subtitle 1 of Title 11, and Section 2 repeals the existing sheriff-compensation statute; the act becomes effective June 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Henry County Sheriff: compensation changes to $94,000 annually (via expense allowance in 2026 and then base salary in 2027)
• Future sheriffs: eligible for 8% pay increases for each second or later term
• Sheriffs returning non-consecutively: treated as new first-term entrants for increases
• Henry County employees/County Commission: sheriff receives the same benefits as other employees but is not eligible for some salary increases under a specific Alabama code
• County law framework: repeals the old compensation statute 45-34-230

Key Provisions

• Section 1(a): Beginning June 1, 2026, Sheriff of Henry County shall have total compensation of $94,000 per year via an expense allowance.
• Section 1(b): Beginning January 18, 2027, the base annual salary shall be $94,000 per year, in lieu of all other expense allowances or compensation.
• Section 1(c)(1): Beginning January 18, 2027, any sheriff serving a second or later term shall receive an 8% increase for each such term of the then-existing salary.
• Section 1(c)(2): A sheriff returning for a non-consecutive term shall be compensated as if for the first time and is eligible for increases only for currently successive service.
• Section 1(d): The sheriff shall receive the same benefits as Henry County Commission employees but shall not be eligible for increases under Chapter 2A of Subtitle 1 of Title 11.
• Section 2: Repeals Section 45-34-230, related to sheriff compensation.
• Section 3: Effective June 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 3, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Henry County