Senate Bill 262 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Jefferson County; sheriff compensation revised

Summary

SB262 would overhaul Jefferson County sheriff compensation by setting staged salary levels, adding a $40,000 annual expense allowance, and tying future deputy COLAs to the sheriff’s pay, with a final move to a $225,000 salary.

What This Bill Does

Amends Section 45-37-230 to establish the sheriff's salary at $160,000 beginning with the next term of office and to grant the sheriff cost-of-living increases that match those given to deputy sheriffs after that date. Adds an annual $40,000 expense allowance for the sheriff, payable from the county general fund starting on the act’s effective date, which may be treated as retirement-contribution eligible. Beginning with the next term of office, sets the sheriff's salary at $225,000 and voids the prior provisions in subsections (a) and (c).

Who It Affects

• Jefferson County Sheriff — sees a staged compensation change (initially $160,000 salary plus a $40,000 expense allowance; later $225,000) and new COLA rules for deputy sheriffs.
• Jefferson County taxpayers/government — would fund the sheriff’s compensation and the new expense allowance from the county’s general fund, with costs changing again when the salary moves to $225,000.

Key Provisions

• Section 45-37-230(a): Sheriff’s annual salary set at $160,000 beginning with the next term.
• Section 45-37-230(b): Sheriff eligible for the same cost-of-living increases granted to deputy sheriffs after that date.
• Section 45-37-230(c)(1)-(2): Sheriff receives an additional $40,000 annual expense allowance from the general fund; may count toward retirement contributions.
• Section 45-37-230(d): Beginning with the next term, sheriff’s salary is $225,000 and the provisions in (a) and (c) are void.
• Section 2: Effective date is the first day of the first month after passage and governor approval (or when it becomes law otherwise).

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