AL SB298

Class 3 municipalities must maintain a minimum of 2 full-time law enforcement officers per 1,000 residents, based on the 2020 federal census

Municipalities not meeting requirements by October 1, 2026 receive a 5-year grace period, during which they must reduce the staffing deficit by at least 10% annually

Annual compliance reports due December 1 to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), detailing officer counts, population figures, and recruitment efforts

ALEA may assume operational oversight of non-compliant police departments, including deploying supplemental officers, appointing a Chief Administrative Law Enforcement Officer, and establishing corrective action plans

Municipalities subject to state oversight must reimburse all costs incurred, with the Attorney General authorized to petition courts for restitution covering personnel, equipment, vehicles, and administrative expenses