The bill mandates that each Class 3 municipality in Alabama maintain a minimum staffing ratio of 1.9 full-time law enforcement officers for every 1,000 residents, based on the 2020 federal census. Municipalities that do not meet this requirement by October 1, 2026, will be granted a five-year grace period to achieve compliance, during which they must demonstrate annual improvements of at least 10% towards the required officer ratio. Additionally, municipalities must submit annual reports detailing their law enforcement staffing and recruitment efforts to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).

If a municipality fails to comply by October 1, 2031, the state may assume operational oversight of its police department, which includes establishing a corrective action plan, deploying supplemental law enforcement personnel, and appointing a Chief Administrative Law Enforcement Officer. The bill also allows the state to seek restitution for costs incurred during oversight, and municipalities that fail to pay restitution may lose eligibility for state funding. The Secretary of ALEA is authorized to adopt rules for the implementation of this act, which will take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Engrossed: 28-3-74