Senate Bill 298 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Will BarfootSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Class 3 Municipalities; minimum staffing requirements for law enforcement agencies, mandated; grace period, established; state assumption of oversight for violations, provided

Summary

SB298 would require Class 3 municipalities to maintain a minimum two-officer-per-1,000-residents staffing level for police, with a five-year grace period for noncompliance and state oversight if needed.

What This Bill Does

Sets a minimum staffing ratio of two full-time law enforcement officers per 1,000 residents for Class 3 municipalities, using the 2020 census for population counts. Provides a five-year grace period (beginning October 1, 2026) for noncompliant municipalities to reach full staffing, with annual improvements of at least 10% of the staffing deficit and required progress reports to ALEA. Authorizes ALEA to assume operational oversight of a noncompliant municipal police department, including a corrective action plan, deployment of supplemental officers or resources, appointment of a Chief Administrative Law Enforcement Officer, and cooperative enforcement agreements, with oversight lasting 365 days after the municipality becomes compliant. Allows the Attorney General to seek restitution from the municipality to cover state costs of oversight and implementation, and grants ALEA rulemaking authority; the act becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Class 3 municipalities and their police departments, which would have to meet the staffing ratio and could be placed under state oversight if they fail to comply (including reporting requirements during the grace period).
• The State of Alabama and its taxpayers, through potential costs of deploying supplemental officers during oversight, with the Attorney General able to seek restitution to recover those costs.

Key Provisions

• Minimum staffing: two full-time officers per 1,000 residents for Class 3 municipalities, based on the 2020 census.
• Grace period: five-year period to reach compliance if not satisfied by October 1, 2026; annual improvements of at least 10% of the staffing deficit and progress reports to ALEA.
• Oversight powers: ALEA may assume operational oversight and implement actions such as a corrective action plan, supplemental personnel deployment, appointing a Chief Administrative Law Enforcement Officer, and cooperative enforcement agreements, with oversight lasting 365 days after compliance.
• Restitution and funding: the state may seek restitution for costs of oversight, with a detailed petition process and court review.
• Rulemaking and effective date: ALEA may adopt implementing rules; the act becomes effective October 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

Government Administration