SB48 Summary

• Creates the Public Safety Agency within the Executive Branch, comprising the Department of Public Safety, Department of Investigation, and Department of Public Safety Training, with a Cabinet-level Secretary of Public Safety appointed by the Governor to a five-year term from a list of candidates nominated by legislative and executive leadership.

• Establishes the Department of Investigation to consolidate investigative functions from multiple agencies including the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, State Fire Marshal, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Forestry Commission, Department of Agriculture and Industries, and Office of Prosecution Services.

• Reorganizes the Department of Public Safety to consolidate uniformed state law enforcement services and transfers functions from the Public Service Commission, Department of Revenue, Alabama Department of Transportation, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Alabama State Port Authority; creates new Marine Police Division and Conservation Enforcement Division.

• Eliminates the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, transferring immigration enforcement functions to the Attorney General and grant management functions to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs; designates the Secretary of Public Safety or Director of Investigation as Homeland Security Advisor.

• Creates the Public Safety Fund to support all consolidated agencies and establishes the Department of Public Safety Training to coordinate recruitment, selection, and training of state law enforcement officers; effective October 1, 2014, except Secretary position and duties which take effect immediately upon passage.