Alabama House Bill HB313

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/13/23
• Refer: 4/13/23
• Report Pass: 5/9/23
• Engrossed: 5/11/23
• Refer: 5/11/23
• Report Pass: 5/23/23
• Enrolled: 5/24/23
• Passed: 5/24/23

Caption

Relating to Montgomery County; to amend Section 45-51-231 of the Code of Alabama 1975, relating to an expense allowance and salary of the sheriff, to restate the current salary of the sheriff and to delete an expired expense allowance; and to provide a new expense allowance for the sheriff and for the salary of the sheriff if the sheriff has served two or more full consecutive terms as sheriff.

Impact

The enactment of HB 313 will lead to adjustments in the budgetary allocations for Montgomery County, specifically regarding law enforcement compensation. By increasing the sheriff's salary and introducing a new expense allowance, it sets a precedent for how county governments may consider compensating local law enforcement officials who have long-standing service records. The bill is likely to prompt discussions not only about the salaries of law enforcement officials but also about the larger implications for county budgets and allocations towards public safety.

Summary

House Bill 313 addresses the compensation structure for the sheriff of Montgomery County by amending Section 45-51-231 of the Code of Alabama 1975. The bill establishes a new salary and expense allowance framework, with the sheriff receiving a base salary of $155,000, in addition to an expense allowance of $20,000 per year. Notably, the bill stipulates that sheriffs who have served two or more consecutive full terms will receive an increased salary of $175,000, along with the same expense allowance. This change seeks to recognize the service duration of the sheriff and adjust compensation accordingly to reflect that tenure.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 313 appears to be supportive, particularly among local officials and constituents who advocate for fair compensation for public servants. Ensuring that the sheriff is adequately compensated is viewed as important for maintaining morale and attracting qualified individuals for the position, especially in areas related to public safety and crime prevention. The lack of recorded opposition also suggests that this modification may be seen as an overdue acknowledgment of the responsibilities that come with the sheriff's role.

Contention

While there are no explicit points of contention highlighted in the discussions around HB 313, the potential for future disputes may arise concerning budget impacts and the equity of salary structures among various county offices. The bill's clear focus on rewarding long-term service may raise questions in the future about disparities in how different public officials are compensated, which could warrant further legislative scrutiny or modification down the line.