AL HB447

Authorizes the Sheriff of Jefferson County to employ a confidential secretary for the Bessemer Division in addition to a confidential secretary in lieu of an executive secretary.

Confidential secretaries of the sheriff receive the same compensation as the confidential secretary of the Jefferson County Commission and are exempt from county merit system rules.

Employees of Jefferson County who become confidential secretaries retain the right to return to an equal or higher merit system position upon termination, with service time counting toward merit system benefits including longevity pay.

Confidential secretaries may join applicable county pension plans if they apply within 30 days of employment.

Prohibits confidential secretaries of the sheriff from running for elected county office while employed in that position.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.