This bill establishes a framework for the appointment and service of special reserve deputies in Jefferson County, specifically during "emergency writ conditions," which occur when the sheriff cannot execute all issued writs in a reasonable timeframe. The sheriff is authorized to appoint special reserve deputies to assist in executing writs related to the seizure or securing of real property. These deputies will have the same legal protections as regular deputies and are required to make returns on writs as the sheriff would. The bill also stipulates that a petitioner can request a writ of seizure to be executed by a special reserve deputy during such conditions, with a service fee not exceeding $250 payable directly to the deputy, while prohibiting any payments from the county treasury to the deputies or the sheriff for these services.

To qualify as a special reserve deputy, individuals must be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, not currently employed by the sheriff's department, and have completed specific training within the last three years. The sheriff is responsible for establishing a training program and maintaining documentation of successful trainees, with the option to charge a reasonable fee for training. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026. No deletions from current law are noted in the text provided, but new legal language is introduced to define terms and outline the roles and responsibilities of special reserve deputies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 36-22-3