This 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 bill changes the effective date for these qualifications from May 18, 2020, to June 1, 2026. It specifies that an individual must meet several criteria, including being a U.S. citizen, a resident of the county for at least one year prior to qualification, and having a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, the individual must be at least 25 years old, possess three or more years of full-time law enforcement experience, and have never been convicted of a felony.

The bill also introduces new requirements for individuals who have retired from law enforcement. Specifically, if an individual has retired, they must have three or more years of full-time post-retirement law enforcement service prior to qualifying. Furthermore, it reduces the time frame for which an individual can be separated from active law enforcement from two years to one year unless they have obtained recertification. The bill mandates that upon election, the sheriff must complete a minimum of 12 hours of executive-level continuing education annually, approved by recognized law enforcement associations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45-27-234