The bill amends Section 11-2A-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically regarding the compensation of sheriffs in Category 1, 2, and 3 counties. It establishes a minimum annual salary of $50,000 for sheriffs, which replaces any existing salary and expense allowances for those earning less than this amount. Additionally, the county commission of these counties is granted the authority to increase the sheriff's salary, effective at the start of the next term of office, provided that the increase is approved at least three months before the qualifying period for the party primary election. If the salary increase cannot be paid during the incumbent sheriff's term due to constitutional restrictions, it will be issued as an expense allowance until the next term, at which point it will be incorporated into the sheriff's salary.

The bill also includes provisions for how expense allowances are treated in relation to retirement programs and clarifies that any increases in compensation for sheriffs or other officials will not exceed the specified limits. Notably, it deletes references to the "State" Employees' Retirement System and the year "1901" in relation to constitutional amendments, replacing it with "2022." The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 11-2A-2, 11-2A-2
Engrossed: 11-2A-2