The bill amends Section 11-2A-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which pertains to the compensation of sheriffs in certain counties under the Omnibus Pay Act. 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 commissions of Category 1, 2, or 3 counties are 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 regarding the treatment of expense allowances as salary for retirement purposes and specifies that any increases in compensation for sheriffs or other county officials must comply with existing laws. 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