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. Key changes include replacing all references to the "Alabama Local Government Training Institute" with "Buddy Sharpless Education Institute" and updating the language regarding the board's responsibilities to ensure oversight of the institute's operations and training programs for county commissioners. The bill also establishes that the Buddy Sharpless Education Institute will set standards for local emergency management directors and provide training on state ethics laws for various government officials.

Additionally, the bill mandates training programs for a range of public officials, including legislators, state constitutional officers, and local government officials, with specific timelines for completion. Notable provisions require all legislators to attend training programs, with special training for those elected in special elections, and lobbyists must complete training quarterly. The bill updates the terminology from "Alabama Ethics Law" to "state ethics laws" and requires electronic submission of training completion evidence to the State Ethics Commission. The act is scheduled 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