SB158 Summary

• Creates a centralized Law Enforcement Officer Employment Database to be developed and maintained by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission by October 1, 2023.

• Requires law enforcement agencies to report disciplinary actions within 7 days, use of force complaints within 30 days, officer separations within 7 days, and pre-employment background check information to the database.

• Database information is confidential and not subject to public records requests; unauthorized disclosure is a Class A misdemeanor.

• Mandates law enforcement agencies conduct comprehensive pre-employment checks including fingerprint-based criminal background checks, employment history verification, credit reports, educational and disciplinary records, and social media review before hiring officers.

• Imposes civil penalties of $1,000 per violation plus $100 per day for non-compliance with reporting requirements; penalties are deposited into the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Fund for implementation and enforcement costs.