SB338 Summary

• Applies only to Lee County and establishes minimum qualifications for sheriff candidates or appointees, effective immediately upon passage.

• Requires candidates to be U.S. citizens, county residents for at least one year, registered voters for one year, hold 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 retirement or separation exceeding two consecutive years unless re-certified before qualifying.

• Prohibits candidates who have been convicted of any felony in Alabama or of any offense that would constitute a felony under Alabama law in another jurisdiction.

• Requires elected sheriffs to complete a minimum of 20 hours of executive-level continuing education annually through programs approved by the Alabama Sheriff's Association, National Sheriff's Association, or other recognized law enforcement executive education providers.