The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the financial operations of the sheriff's office in Escambia County by establishing the "Sheriff's Law Enforcement Fund." Key provisions include a requirement that all collected funds, including a newly introduced $15 increase in service of process fees for both criminal and civil divisions, be deposited into this specific fund rather than any bank chosen by the sheriff. The bill also allows the sheriff to conduct fundraising events, with proceeds directed to the fund, and clarifies the authority to charge fees for fingerprinting services, ensuring these fees are also deposited into the Sheriff's Law Enforcement Fund. Additionally, the bill removes previous limitations that confined these provisions to Escambia County, thereby broadening the applicability of the law.

Furthermore, the bill sets the fee for pistol permits at $20, with a reduced fee of $15 for seniors aged 65 and older, mandating that all funds from these fees be deposited into the Sheriff's Law Enforcement Fund. It updates the auditing process, requiring the State Examiners of Public Accounts to conduct an annual audit of the fund and provide the sheriff with a copy within 30 days of completion. The bill also stipulates that on October 1, 2025, all remaining funds from specific existing sheriff-related funds will be transferred to the new fund, ensuring it does not replace other income sources for the sheriff's office. The act is set to take effect on the same date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45-27-231, 45-27-231, 45-27-231, 45-27-231, 45-27-231, 45-27-232, 45-27-233