HB587 Summary

• Applies exclusively to Choctaw County and establishes minimum qualifications for sheriff candidates and appointees.

• Requires candidates to be U.S. citizens, county residents for at least one year, registered voters for one year, possess a high school diploma or GED, and be at least 25 years old.

• Mandates three or more years of full-time law enforcement service certified by Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, with no gap of more than two consecutive years from active service (or re-certification required if gap exceeds two years).

• Prohibits candidates with felony convictions in Alabama or convictions for offenses that would constitute felonies in Alabama.

• Requires elected sheriffs to complete minimum 12 hours of annual executive-level continuing education from approved organizations and file certification with the county judge of probate by December 31 each year.