The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to rename the "Alabama Local Government Training Institute" to the "Buddy Sharpless Education Institute," in honor of O.H. "Buddy" Sharpless, the former executive director of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama. This change is reflected throughout the relevant sections of the law, which also includes modifications to the board's composition and responsibilities. The newly established institute will oversee training and education programs for county commissioners, ensuring they receive comprehensive training following elections. The bill also clarifies the board's authority to provide advanced training, grant awards, and certifications, while updating requirements for local emergency management directors and training programs administered by the State Ethics Commission.

Additionally, the bill mandates comprehensive training programs for various public officials, including legislators, state constitutional officers, and local officials, with specific provisions for lobbyists and newly elected officials. Key changes include the requirement for all legislators to attend training provided by the State Ethics Commission and for lobbyists to complete training within 90 days of registration. The bill emphasizes the importance of ethics training, requiring evidence of completion to be submitted electronically, and updates the terminology from "Alabama Ethics Law" to "state ethics laws." The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 11-3-42, 11-3-44, 11-3-45, 31-9-61, 36-25-4
Enrolled: 11-3-42, 11-3-44, 11-3-45, 31-9-61, 36-25-4