The bill amends Section 45-27-234 of the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically regarding the qualifications required for an individual to be elected or appointed as Sheriff of Escambia County. The effective date for these changes is set for June 1, 2026. Key modifications include the replacement of the term "person" with "individual" throughout the qualifications, and a reduction in the maximum allowable time for separation from active law enforcement from two years to one year. Additionally, if an individual has retired from law enforcement, they must have three or more years of full-time post-retirement service prior to qualifying.

Other qualifications outlined in the bill include being a U.S. citizen, a resident of Escambia County for at least one year, having the qualifications of an elector, possessing a high school diploma or GED, being at least 25 years old, and having three or more years of full-time prior service as a law enforcement officer certified by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that individuals must not have any felony convictions. Upon election, the sheriff is also required to complete a minimum of 12 hours of executive-level continuing education annually.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45-27-234
Enrolled: 45-27-234